A father hoping to sell his vehicle on Facebook Marketplace was allegedly stabbed multiple times by a potential buyer during a test drive.
Chris Cook, 58, had arranged to meet a 19-year-old man for an inspection of the red Holden in Greensborough, north of Melbourne, on Sunday.
The teen allegedly met the father outside his home and agreed to take the vehicle for a test drive.
Cook’s wife, Christine, recalled watching the couple take off down Killarney Ridge with her husband at the wheel.
During the trip, Mr Cook asked the teenager if he wanted to get behind the wheel.
Once in the driver’s seat, the teen allegedly pulled out a knife and demanded Mr. Cook get out of the vehicle.
The father refused to give in and was allegedly stabbed three times.
“Chris said ‘no’ and then they (allegedly) stabbed him,” Ms Cook said. nine news.
Chris Cook (pictured) is recovering in hospital after he was allegedly stabbed three times.
Cook was trying to sell his red Holden ute (pictured) on Facebook Marketplace
Despite suffering serious injuries to his upper body and lower abdomen, Cook managed to get the alleged offender out of his car and drive away. 200 meters from home.
“The guy got out of the car and I heard Chris yell, ‘Call an ambulance,'” his wife said.
“He came back and just collapsed on the step,
Her husband remained in hospital Monday night after also suffering internal bleeding and a punctured lung.
Cook now faces a long road to recovery following the alleged attack.
Police arrested the teen, 19, nearby after he allegedly tried to flee on foot.
A knife was discovered on the road near Mr Cook’s abandoned van.
The Wyndham Vale teenager was taken to hospital with injuries to his hand.
He will be interviewed by detectives when he is released from the hospital. No charges have yet been filed.
The 19-year-old allegedly stabbed Mr Cook after telling him to get out of the ute (pictured, knife found at the scene)
Cook’s wife was also traumatized by the alleged incident.
“It could have been me if Chris wasn’t home,” he said.
Cook made an urgent call to Australians looking to sell online.
“It’s scary with Marketplace… (you have to) be careful,” he warned.
Victoria Police is advising sellers and buyers to use their ‘Safer Exchange Sites’ at their stations for added security during transactions.