Police were seeking at least three attackers who they say carjacked a man Wednesday night in northwest Salt Lake City and shot him twice en route to the Foothills area, where the victim was rescued by an alert security guard.

The incident occurred about 11:50 p.m. Wednesday when three men with guns suddenly rushed the victim's car as it stopped near 900 West and 800 South. They forced the man into the backseat of the red 2000 Audi, demanded drugs and began driving southeast, police said.

The vehicle stopped at an apartment complex at 2260 S. Foothill Drive. At some point during the drive, the victim was shot in both legs just below the knees.

A security guard, hearing loud voices, investigated.

When he approached the car, he saw a man standing next to it who ran away.

The guard found the man in the back of the Audi, saw the gunshot wounds and pulled him out.

The assailant who had run off at the sight of the guard returned with a second man. The two got in the Audi and drove off.

Officers found the car just after 7 a.m. Thursday morning near 1400 South and 50 East. They are processing it for more evidence, such as fingerprints, said Salt Lake City Sgt. Robin Snyder.

The victim was taken to a hospital in serious condition.

Police say it is unclear whether the attack was random or targeted. The victim still had cash on him after the carjacking. Police are not sure why the suspects would have asked him for drugs.