Police find vehicle wanted in Markham kidnapping, victim still missing

York police say the vehicle believed to have been used in a violent Markham kidnapping has been found, but officers are still searching for the victim.

The black wheelchair accessible Dodge Caravan was found empty and without licence plates on Sunday night in Toronto thanks to tips from the public. The license plate that was on the back of the van during the alleged kidnapping was stolen Ontario plate CEAR350.

Wanzhen Lu, 22, has not been seen since he was taken from an the underground parking garage of his condominium building at 15 Water Walk Drive, in the area of Highway 7 and Birchmount Road.

Lu, who also goes by the name “Peter” and is studying at a school in Toronto, entered the parking garage of his condo building in a Range Rover, Const. Andy Pattenden said.

He and his girlfriend were walking towards the building’s elevators when the van came speeding up to them and three masked men, one armed with a Taser-like weapon, forced Lu into the van. The victim was shocked several times with the taser. A fourth suspect stayed in the van.

The woman was not harmed and immediately alerted condo security after the incident, who then called police.

Pattenden said as the woman wasn’t taken, officers believe Lu was targeted. He noted that police are not sharing some information — such as where in Toronto the van was found and which school Lu attends — to protect the investigation.

Neighbours say the student from Hainan, China was regularly seen driving multiple expensive, exotic cars.

Police have not been made aware of any ransom demands and say they have yet to determine a motive for the alleged kidnapping.

Officers have been in contact with Lu’s family, who are on their way to Canada.

The fact Lu has “vanished” is extremely troubling, said Pattenden adding these types of alleged, violent kidnappings do not happen very often, if ever in York region.

“The attack was very brazen, violent and hands on. They took him, threw him into the vehicle and then left,” Pattenden said.

WATCH: Constable Andy Pattenden provides an update on the case

 

 

Police are looking for four suspects – a driver and three others who forces Lu into the vehicle.

“Now is the time to seek legal counsel and turn yourself in,” Pattenden said urging the suspects to let Lu go.

The first suspect is a male who was wearing a mask, blue pants and a black jacket at the time. Another is described as a dark-skinned male, around six-foot-one, wearing a black Canada goose jacket. The third suspect was wearing dark blue jeans with a jacket and is described as a dark-skinned male with a heavier build and around six-foot-two inches tall. The last suspect was wearing a green and yellow jacket with a hood.

Police say Lu was wearing a Gucci hoodie, torn black jeans and white sneakers when he was taken, as seen in the photo below.

 

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With files from The Canadian Press