Pensioner takes on car jacker

Feb 11 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

A PENSIONER risked serious injury when he jumped on the bonnet of his car to stop a thief from stealing it.

William Morton, 76, from Sunderland, left the keys in his Chrysler Neon when he went to buy shopping from T & J Convenience Store on Villette Road, Hendon, Sunderland, at 8am on Saturday.

But when he returned he saw a man getting into it.

Instinctively, he jumped on the bonnet and held on for about 30 seconds as the car moved at speed but he finally lost his grip and was flung into the road.

Mr Morton suffered just bruises to his thigh and arm.

He said: “Perhaps I shouldn’t have jumped on the car but when someone tries to take something that doesn’t belong to them instinct sets in. I do think I am lucky to be alive though. I knew I would just be popping in for a minute so I didn’t bother to take the keys out the ignition. It can be difficult to get the car started as it has an awkward switch on the ignition, so I just left it.”

The vehicle hit a road hump and the driver lost control, crashing into three parked cars.

A local barber then unsuccessfully chased the thief. Any witnesses should call 08456 043043.