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