A pregnant mum was run over on her driveway as she attempted to rescue her two-year-old son from being kidnapped.
The 34-year-old victim, from Illinois, US, was beaten by car thieves on Thursday at around 3.35pm after she returned home with her children.
The mum, who is six months pregnant, was dropping off one of her children inside the home.
Her son remained in the car but when she came back a white, 2000s model BMW pulled up outside her driveway.
The suspect then left the passenger side of the BMW and attempted to break into the woman's Volkswagen, which contained her two-year-old son.
The woman, who has not been named, bravely tried to fight off the car thieves but was punched to the ground.
Her car was then driven away by the robbers, who ran over the woman, as she tried to stop the thieves from taking her toddler.
The mum suffered extensive damage to her hands and foot, according to authorities.
Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said: “She, of course, was fighting for her child, as her child was inside the car.
"However, this offender knocked her to the ground, battered her and jumped into the driver seat of her Volkswagen.”
Fortunately, the woman was able to call 911 and alert police of the missing child, who quickly came to her address.
Cops were called just minutes later by a concerned member of the public who had just witnessed two cars enter a car park.
The eyewitness informed police a vehicle had been abandoned along with a child.
Both of the drivers quickly fled the scene after dumping the car and toddler.
The 911 caller ran over to rescue the child who was left confused and about to walk into a busy road.
Waukegan authorities quickly responded to the scene and collected the boy.
Police discovered the stolen Volkswagen in the car park near Route 43. However, the BMW has still been not found.
The boy was unharmed in the incident and is now at home recovering from the traumatic ordeal.
However, his mum remains in hospital after being run over by the car thieves, where she is being treated for her injuries.
She has a broken pelvis and a broken elbow, according to the local hospital.
Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said: "She sustained some broken bones and some really serious injuries.
"They then fled; however, she had the strength and ability to call 911."
The man who allegedly attacked the woman is still on the run. Police are still continuing their investigation.
