Saint-Pavace (France) - In what is known as homejacking, criminals break into houses and threaten the residents in order to obtain their victims' car keys. A particularly serious case of this occurred last Tuesday. The two perpetrators not only took the car, but also the owner.

The victim was a 56-year-old father from Saint-Genis-Pouilly near Geneva. His wife and daughter were tied up in the house but not abducted, as reported by"France Bleu".

Police found him in the night from Wednesday to Thursday at a petrol station in Saint-Pavace, a suburb of Le Man - more than 500 kilometers from his home.

The perpetrators had apparently stopped shortly after midnight to refuel the stolen car. The two men were wearing masks and attracted the attention of the police as they were about to make off.

The officers managed to ram the suspicious vehicle and bring it to a halt, but the kidnappers were able to escape on foot.

Cries for help could be heard from the stolen car. When the police opened the trunk, they found the 56-year-old man tied up and doused in gasoline. He was completely disoriented and had injuries from being beaten, but there was no danger to his life.

As it turned out, the kidnappers had a plan. The victim's son - who lives in Dubai - had received a message demanding a ransom.