Vancouver Police have released surveillance video of a man they believe was kidnapped while walking on a quiet west-side street last month, and hope someone has information that can help solve the troubling case.
“We believe Jeffrey Lee was abducted by force and taken to an unknown location,” says Sergeant Steve Addison. “We don’t know exactly why he was kidnapped, but we know there are people out there who have information, and we’re asking them to come forward now.”
Lee, 33, was last seen by his girlfriend around 10 p.m. on September 23, as he left her downtown apartment to go gambling in the city’s Oakridge neighbourhood. Police believe he drove a black BMW X5 and parked near West 41 Avenue and Elizabeth Street, then went to a nearby highrise to meet up with friends and associates.
Surveillance video seized by police captures Lee entering the Oakridge highrise around 10:15 p.m. on September 23, then leaving the next day shortly before 4 a.m. Investigators believe he was kidnapped while walking back to his parked car.
“The black BMW was located the next day with the driver-side door wide open, and we believe whoever kidnapped Mr. Lee did so as he was getting in his vehicle,” adds Sergeant Addison. “Although we’ve gathered a significant amount of evidence during the past four weeks and feel we are close to solving this case, there are still people with information who need to come forward.”
Lee was last seen wearing a dark-coloured Hugo Boss hoodie, with black shorts, flip-flops, and a grey shoulder bag. At the time of his kidnapping, he had short black hair and facial stubble.
Anyone who saw Mr. Lee on the night of his kidnapping, or knows what happened to him, is asked to call Vancouver Police Department’s Major Crime Section at 604-717-2541.
