CCTV shows kidnapping of Chris Baghsarian from North Ryde home
The moment the 85-year-old man was killed was captured on security camera footage He was kidnapped from his home in northern Sydney on Friday morningThe kidnapping, suspected to be a case of confusion, is entering its fourth day.
Chris Baghsarian, an elderly widower and grandfather, was abducted from the bedroom of his North Ryde property at around 5am on Friday, with police charging directly against the kidnappers who they believe have kidnapped the wrong person. Baghsarian lives alone on his own property.
Police found signs of forced entry into the home and are investigating whether the intended target was a person linked to the Alameddine organized crime ring who lives nearby.
CCTV footage shows two men, one in a high-vis shirt and the other in a dark hoodie, getting out of a dark-coloured SUV and striding towards Baghsarian’s property, triggering the sensor light at the front of the property. They then appear to force the old man to leave the house as the getaway driver approaches the rest of the crew.
Neighbors called the police after hearing the commotion at Baghsarian’s house Friday morning. An eyewitness, Felix Cho, said: Nine News He said he heard “continued screaming” as windows shattered and dogs barked before the vehicle drove down the street.
Video has since emerged of an injured Baghsarian at an unknown location.
Baghsarian is seen in the video wearing the gray tracksuit pants and flannel shirt he was wearing when he was kidnapped.
A vehicle matching the description of the getaway car was found burnt out in South Turramurra shortly after the kidnapping.
Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks said neither Baghsarian nor his family were involved in organized crime.
“They were quite surprised that this happened and what they wanted was for their father to return safely,” Marks said on Saturday.
“We always fear for the hostage’s safety.”
After the video was published, concerns about the old man’s health increased. He needs daily medication and medical treatment.
State crime detectives are being briefed on the kidnapping Monday morning as police continue to search for Baghsarian. Marks asked the kidnappers to share the man’s whereabouts, saying they would do so if they had “common courtesy.”
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Daniel Lo Surdo is a breaking news reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald. He previously ran The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age’s national news live blog.Connect via email.
