An 85-year-old Sydney man was bundled into a dark SUV after kidnappers forced their way into his home early Friday morning, in what police believe was a case of mistaken identity. Chris Baghsarian has been missing from his North Ryde home since around 5 a.m. on Friday. Neighbors told police they saw him being taken away by unknown people shortly after the break-in. Police found signs of forced entry at Baghsarian's home. Witnesses reported seeing him bundled into a dark Toyota SUV before the vehicle sped away. "Police consider that the man who was reportedly kidnapped may not have been the int

An 85-year-old Sydney man was bundled into a dark SUV after kidnappers forced their way into his home early Friday morning, in what police believe was a case of mistaken identity.

Chris Baghsarian has been missing from his North Ryde home since around 5 a.m. on Friday. Neighbors told police they saw him being taken away by unknown people shortly after the break-in.

Police found signs of forced entry at Baghsarian's home. Witnesses reported seeing him bundled into a dark Toyota SUV before the vehicle sped away.

"Police consider that the man who was reportedly kidnapped may not have been the intended target and are appealing for his safe return," NSW (New South Wales) Police said in a statement on Saturday afternoon.

The NSW Robbery and Serious Crime Squad is now investigating the kidnapping. Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks said officers are working urgently to find Baghsarian and determine who took him and why.

The mistaken identity theory raises serious concerns. If the kidnappers grabbed the wrong person, they may realize their mistake and either release Baghsarian or harm him to cover their tracks. Police are racing against time to locate him safely.

"Detectives confirm they remain in ongoing communication with the man's family as inquiries continue," police said.

Authorities are appealing to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the North Ryde area around 5 a.m. on Friday, particularly anyone who saw a dark Toyota SUV in the area or has dashcam footage from that time.

North Ryde is a suburb in Sydney's northern region, about 15 kilometers from the city center.

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