A taxi driver has been left shaken, but uninjured after his car was stolen from Wodonga on Thursday night.
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A man police have identified as 32-year-old Michael Kennedy carjacked the taxi at about 10.45pm Thursday night from Beechworth Road in Wodonga.
Wodonga Magistrates Court issues a warrant for his arrest on Friday.
Detective Sergeant Graeme Simpfendorfer said Kennedy’s whereabouts were unknown, but he did live in Albury-Wodonga and officers from both sides of the Border were working together to track him down.
He urge people not to approach the man and instead call police if he was sighted.
Police are unsure where Kennedy went after stealing the taxi, but the vehicle was found across the border in Albury after crashing into a power pole at the intersection of Kiewa and Hovell streets.
Detective Simpfendorfer could not confirm a knife was used in the carjacking, saying the car was taken by force and with a weapon.
“We don’t believe at this stage there were any other offences committed at this stage,” he said.
“We’re treating the matter very seriously so if anyone did see this particular taxi driving around erratically or committing any offences, we want to hear about it.
“We’re confident we can resolve this pretty quick.”
Detectives had spoken to the taxi driver and had access the vehicle’s interior camera to help the investigation.
Detective Simpfendorfer said he did not believe taxi drivers were being targeted.
“I think this was a bit more opportunistic on this occasion, so I don’t think there’s any concern locally,” he said.
Amalgamated Taxis Wodonga chairman Scott Cowie said the attack on his colleague was an example of how taxi drivers could be placed in serious danger.
“Our manager spoke to him last night and he’s shaken up, but he’s fine,” he said.
“It does show that out here at nighttime, you are faced with those things … Personally I’d be doing everything to protect myself – you can replace the car.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Wodonga police on (02) 6049 2700 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.