Owner of stolen car hurt during theft

DENVER, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- A 31-year-old man from Lakewood, Colo., was seriously injured while clinging to the roof of his car in an attempt to stop the theft of the vehicle, police say.

Police said a woman was in custody in the car theft in Denver that left Ryan Calles in serious condition at Denver Health Medical Center, The Denver Post reported Thursday.

Police spokesman Sonny Jackson said Calles noticed a woman with a young child stealing his 1995 Nissan Maxima Wednesday. After unsuccessfully trying to convince the woman to stop, Calles jumped on his car's hood as the car thief sped off.

Jackson said Calles was able to hold onto the car's hood for more than 13 blocks despite the vehicle reaching speeds of up to 50 mph.

He was ultimately thrown from the vehicle during a hard turn and hit his head on a nearby pavement, the police official said.

The female suspect in the case has not been identified. She was found with a small child, who has since been taken into protective custody.

Calles's car was found broken down near Douglas, Wyo., three hours after the theft.