Incident in Novosibirsk Involving an Alleged Car Theft Attempt During a Test Drive
In Novosibirsk, an attempted assault occurred while a BMW car dealer was conducting a test drive. This event was reported by the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for the Novosibirsk region and is part of ongoing scrutiny of violent crime tied to vehicle sales and theft schemes.
According to the investigation, a man from the Kemerovo region sought to take possession of a vehicle through violence. He located an online advertisement suggesting that a resident of Novosibirsk was preparing to sell a car, and he planned a robbery as part of the exchange. On the afternoon of January 17, 2023, the attacker targeted the driver while he sat in the passenger seat during a prearranged meeting, delivering multiple stabbing blows aimed at vital areas of the body, the report states. The intent appeared clear to seize the vehicle by force during a private transaction that was supposed to occur away from public view.
The owner of the BMW vehicle, despite sustaining injuries, acted decisively. He managed to push the door open and exit the car, a move that allowed him to escape and seek safety. Law enforcement later apprehended the attacker and initiated liability proceedings. The arrest and subsequent investigation are described by authorities as part of a broader effort to deter violent crime linked to auto trade activities and staged sales scenarios.
In related coverage, reports have previously noted an incident involving a resident of Omsk who caused property damage during a routine document check by pouring gasoline on a traffic police and patrol car. That case is cited in the same information stream to illustrate the range of violent actions connected to public safety and law enforcement encounters in the region. The sources attributed the information to the Investigative Committee, confirming ongoing monitoring of violent crime and investigative actions in the area.
As the investigation continues, officials emphasize the importance of cautious, well-documented transactions in the automotive market, especially when buyers and sellers meet in person to complete a sale. Verified incidents like this help authorities understand risk factors and develop procedures intended to protect both consumers and law enforcement personnel during vehicle handovers and test drives. The public is advised to report suspicious activity immediately to local police or the Investigative Committee and to rely on legitimate, verified listings when considering vehicle purchases in the region.