Police are investigating a kidnapping and aggravated carjacking in Melbourne’s north-west on Sunday, January 5 after a rideshare driver was kidnapped and assaulted by passengers.
Officers were told that the victim picked up three men from an address in Melton South about 2.10am.
It is believed the trio exited the Black Toyota Kluger and approached and opened the driver’s door upon arriving at a recreation reserve carpark on Riddle Road, Sunbury.
Police said it is understood the men threatened the victim with a knife and demanded his wallet and phone before dragging him out of the driver’s seat and assaulting him.
He was then placed into the back seat of his Toyota and driven to Loemans Road, Bulla, just before the intersection of Sunbury and Bulla roads, where it is believed he was dragged out or thrown out and dumped on the side of the road.
The three men are described as being African in appearance wearing gloves and face masks. They were last seen driving away in the stolen Toyota.
The Black Toyota Kluger was located dumped in Bennett Street, Melton, about 3.50am.
The driver, a 38-year-old Meadow Heights man, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Information to Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
