Chris Baghsarian: Glenorie bushland searched after 85-year-old grandfather abducted in mistaken identity case
Police have resumed a bushland search as fears grow for Chris Baghsarian, an 85-year-old man abducted from his North Ryde home in what detectives believe was a case of mistaken identity.
Police have returned to bushland near Glenorie in Sydney’s north west as the desperate search continues for 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian, who was abducted from his North Ryde home on Friday, February 13.
Investigators believe the abduction was a tragic case of mistaken identity, with the kidnappers targeting the wrong person.
“We are putting every effort into finding Mr Baghsarian that we can,” Det-Supt. Andrew Marks said, at a press conference on Monday.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“We will search that area (Glenorie bushland) and that area will grow until we find something of interest to us.”
Earlier, police combed a property in Dural amid suspicions the offenders stayed there after the kidnapping.
A 2022 Toyota Corolla linked to that address was later located in Westmead last Tuesday.
Burnt car timeline
A key part of the investigation involves a grey 2022 Toyota Corolla (registration DVT 077) linked to the case:
- Saturday, February 4: Police believe cloned number plates were attached to the vehicle in Good Street, Westmead.
- Saturday, February 14 after 9pm: The car was sighted in Glenorie.
- Monday, February 16 at 11.30pm: The Corolla was burnt out in Westmead.
“That vehicle was also sighted in that area … If you saw that vehicle, please contact Crime Stoppers,” Det-Supt. Marks said.
“We’ve received information from members of the public … as a result of that we were able to arrange a search of the national park and surrounding areas.”
Det-Supt. Marks confirmed forensic links between items in the car, a property in Dural, and Mr Baghsarian, though he did not reveal specifics:
“Information in relation to that at this stage I’m not going to answer … still subject to forensic testing.”
Ongoing search
Specialist units, including PolAir and the dog squad, are continuing to comb bushland and vacant blocks around Glenorie. Police have cautioned that the search is challenging due to the spread of locations, which includes rural properties, bushland, and abandoned homes.
“It is a very difficult investigation … the area that we have to cover is a larger area,” Det-Supt. Marks said.
“Every day the concerns grow. Every day, it’s not a great feeling we have in relation to his health and his survival.”
Police have not confirmed whether Mr Baghsarian was ever at Glenorie, but are following every lead.
“We’re not exactly sure what’s happened. We suspect they attempted to light the vehicle then returned to do that,” Det-Supt. Marks said.
Mr Baghsarian’s family has been updated at every step by a family liaison officer. Authorities warn that his health could deteriorate without his daily medication, heightening the urgency of the search.
Police are urging anyone with CCTV, dashcam, or mobile footage from Westmead, Dural, or Glenorie — particularly between February 4 and February 16 — to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
“We will search until we find something of interest to us,” Det-Supt. Marks said.
“We want to find Mr Baghsarian.”
In a statement issued last week, Mr Baghsarian’s family said the devastating crime should have had “nothing to do with us”.
“Our family is living through a nightmare we never thought possible,” they said.
