Woman needs surgery, unable to walk after being run over by teen who stole her car

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    LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WLKY) — Lying on a hospital bed that’s now been moved into a bedroom in her South Louisville home, Lacrissa Bender told WLKY on Thursday, “All I’ve ever done is take care of people. I’m the rock of my family.”

It’s why when doctors told Bender, 48, it could be six weeks until she walks again, she was devastated. Bender has been a home health aide for 20 years. In fact, it was an errand for a client Tuesday afternoon that brought her to the Circle K off Taylor Boulevard.

“I was in the store like 40 seconds and when I came out I looked around and my car was gone,” Bender remembered.

She had left the car, a gold Hyundai, running. But a man at the gas station had witnessed the crime and said he had just seen the car being driven off. He told her to get in his car.

Just about a half mile away, on Livingston Avenue, the pair noticed her car, parked by the side of the street. It was still running, Bender said, and the thief was behind the wheel, going through her purse.

Furious, Bender got out and decided to confront her, “She kept on saying, ‘I’m only 13. I’m only 13. I was like, ‘Just get out of my car and walk away. It doesn’t have to be like this.’ I just wanted her to walk away.”

Instead, she said, the teen drove off, hitting her with such force she was thrown up in the air. Her shoes and a bracelet she was wearing flew off.

“When she said, ‘Move! Move!’ I’ll never forget her face. I will never forget that little girl’s face.”

The crime spree did not stop there. Inside the car had been Bender’s purse, including her license with her address and a key fob to her husband’s car. Despite going to the dealership to get new fobs, the 2019 Dodge Charger was stolen that night. It was later found with severe front end damage.

Now, as Bender prepares for surgery Friday morning, she cautions everyone to be aware at all times.

“Everybody needs to be careful. Do not leave your car running. Always lock your doors. These kids are not playing. They are not playing.”

In recent weeks, LMPD says there have been at least 14 reported car jackings in the South Louisville area. They are stepping up patrols in the area and urging residents to be aware of their surroundings.

Metro Councilwoman Nicole George, who serves that area told WLKY, “The increase in this behavior across the Metro is incredibly concerning. Neighbors can help by staying vigilant, promoting prevention tips, and sharing information with LMPD.”

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