By Casey Neill
A Dandenong Uber driver thought he was “dead” when carjackers armed with a machete and a hammer attacked.
Afghan-born Ajmal Armani called for more CCTV and powers for police to randomly search vehicles for weapons in the same way they test drivers for drugs and alcohol.
“If I’m not a carpenter why would I have screwdriver or a hammer?” he said.
Armani dropped off a customer on Springfield Road, Box Hill North, about 10.30pm on Thursday 27 October.
He turned into Middleborough Road, received another ride request and pulled into Dixon Grove, Blackburn, to check it.
“As soon as I parked at the side, the silver car moved from the back and drove fast and did a U-turn and parked in front of me,” Mr Armani said.
“Two men got out.
“As soon I saw them I was freezed.
“I thought I was dead in a second.”
He put his car into reverse and drove onto the nature strip.
“The guy tried to break my window with a machete,” he said.
“I drove off from them and they chased me down Middleborough.
“I started beeping.”
The silver Hyundai turned off into Ashley Street and Mr Armani called police.
“At that time I was shocked, I was dead,” he said.
“I don’t know how I escaped.”
Mr Armani has installed a dash cam in his car and a security system in his home, and has returned to Uber driving for only “one or two trips”.
“When I see any silver cars I think they’re going to attack me,” he said.
“I’m very lucky my three kids were not in the car.”
Mr Armani urged drivers to look out for each other on the road.
“We need to help each other,” he said.
“If anyone sees something happening to someone, please stop and help them.
“Call the cops, start beeping.”
