Patrich Baula: WA Police charge hitchhiker who allegedly tried to steal good Samaritan’s car at knife-point

Police have charged a hitchhiker who they say led a good Samaritan, who gave him a lift, into bushland before trying to steal his car at knife-point in a terrifying alleged incident near Margaret River.

Busselton detectives say Patrich John Barba Baula, 30, had broken down in bushland and was walking along Mowen Road, in the area of Rosa Glen, on Monday morning before flagging down a passing vehicle.

The driver, a man in his 60s, stopped and offered a lift to Mr Baula, who police claim led the man into bushland.

Mr Baula then allegedly threatened the driver with a knife before trying to steal his car and then fled the area on foot.

“The driver of the vehicle … sustained minor injuries,” a police spokeswoman said.