Two men charged after allegedly trying to kidnap a young woman at knifepoint as she changed a flat tyre - before members of the public were forced to intervene

By KYLIE STEVENS, SENIOR BREAKING NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 07:38, 27 May 2026 | Updated: 07:38, 27 May 2026 Two men are behind bars over an alleged attempt to kidnap a young woman at knifepoint in broad daylight in Sydney's south-west. Police were called to Browne Parade in Warwick Farm about 2.30pm on Tuesday after a woman, 27, was allegedly assaulted and robbed while changing a flat tyre.  Police allege Saer Elchaar, 24, and Mohammed Thahirdeen, 22, threatened the woman with a knife and attempted to drag her towards a Kia SUV before members of the public intervened. The men allegedly fled the scene in the SUV. The woman was taken to hospital with facial and leg injuries, as detectives established a crime scene and launched inquiries. Less than two hours later, police arrested two men in separate locations 12km away in Auburn. Elchaar was arrested in West Street while Thahirdeen was detained nearby at the riverbank at Duck Creek. One of the men was wearing a matching camouflage tracksuit when he was arrested. Two men are behind bars over an alleged robbery and attempted abduction of a woman. Pictured is one of the men being arrested on Tuesday The woman was allegedly threatened at knifepoint on Browne Parade, Warwick Farm Shocked locals reported seeing the nearby dog park surrounded by up to a dozen police vehicles as officers inspected and dusted a Kia for fingerprints. 'Don't worry, you're safe, the suspects are in custody,' an officer assured locals, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.  The men were both charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon, and aggravated robbery and use corporal violence. Elchaar and Thahirdeen did not appear via videolink when their cases were mentioned in Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday. Police alleged in court the men waited for the woman in a Liverpool carpark before following her car to Browne Parade. Court documents allege a 20cm switchblade was used to steal the victim's iPhone. It's understood the woman was not known to either of her alleged attackers. Elchaar and Thahirdeen did not apply for bail and will reappear in court on July 30. Police made the arrests in Auburn 90 minutes after the alleged kidnapping attempt Discarded belongings were seen strewn on the ground during one of the arrests 'It appears that she is an innocent party in this,' NSW Police Acting Inspector Andrew Sweeney told reporters on Wednesday. 'Obviously, it's a very scary incident. We do believe it is a targeted attack.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.