A Sunbury man is recovering from serious injuries including broken ribs, a fractured femur and leg wounds he sustained when he confronted a car thief.
Investigators said that the 47-year-old man heard a noise in his house just after 4am on September 25 and went downstairs to find a man starting up his Jeep Cherokee.
The owner tried to open the driver’s side door but the offender continued to drive away.
Police said that during the struggle the owner fell underneath the car and was run over by a back wheel.
They allege that the offender drove off and left the injured victim in the driveway of his Riddell Road property.
The white Jeep was later seen on Old Lancefield Road, near Savages Lane in Woodend, about 4.50am.
It was also involved in a collision at 6.10am on Tylden Woodend Road in Woodend, sideswiping a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction.
The Jeep was found dumped on Corks Road in Macedon about 7am.
The offender is described as aged in his mid to late 20s, of a solid build and with dark-coloured hair.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.gov.au
