MOUNT HEALTHY, Ohio – A car thief ran over the vehicle’s owner as he drove away Saturday morning, police said.
A clerk at the Speedway in the 7300 block of Hamilton Avenue turned on his car to warm it up at about 6:46 a.m., then went back into the store.
The clerk then spotted a man sitting in his car and went to confront him, Sgt. Greg Nolte said. It was then that the man ran over the clerk as he fled the scene in the clerk’s car.
The clerk, 39, was seriously injured, Nolte said. Both of his legs were broken and he was still in the hospital Saturday night.
Norma Willis, a coworker of the victim, said she was "shocked" by the incident that came a night that was otherwise seemingly normal.
"He's a real nice guy," Willis said. "He didn't deserve to get run over."
Police are searching for the car, a 2004 silver Chevrolet Malibu with the Ohio license plate DSM6236. The car has an ARMY bumper sticker and two sun roofs. One of the taillights is broken.
Police asked that anyone with information call them at 513-728-3183 or Crimestoppers at 513-352-3040.
There is typically an increase of cars stolen during the winter, according to police. They recommended not leaving cars unattended with the keys inside. Also, instead of confronting someone breaking into a car, call 911, they said.
