Carjacked dad learning to walk again reunited with family after ordeal
A dad dragged 100 metres onto a busy dual-carriageway in a terrifying carjacking[1] has finally been reunited with his son after spending weeks recovering in hospital. But as Kevin Watts continues his recovery - including learning to walk again - he has called for justice following the shocking incident.
The 42-year-old broke his tibia and pelvis after being knocked over by his own car at Sainsbury's[2] petrol station in Castle Vale earlier this month[3]. He was filling his tyres with air when he suddenly realised a man had jumped into the driving seat of his Vauxhall Insignia.
Mr Watts described the scene as "all hell breaking loose" before he ended up stuck under the back wheel of his car which had locked as the carjacker tried to escape. The Jaguar Land Rover[4] maintenance technician eventually freed himself but not before suffering horrific injuries.
Thankfully, he was discharged from hospital last week and finally reunited with his family, including son Chester, three, at home. "I'm making slow progress but it still feels like a bad dream," he said.
"I've seen my little boy and that's the main thing. It felt amazing; as did reading all the support from people. It just goes to show that, despite all the bad going on in the world, there are still amazing and kind people out there.
Kevin Watts, currently wheelchair-bound, has left hospital and is now back at home with his family (Image: Kevin Watts)
"Without these people I would probably be in a dark place. But their comments really made me and my family smile. We're overwhelmed by the support."
Mr Watts, who underwent surgery for his broken bones and skin grafts, added that he hopes "someone is held accountable". He said "I know that the police are doing everything they can and I trust them to find the person responsible.
"I'm just taking each day [as it comes] and trying to keep positive - that's the main thing." The dad, who has a second job at Goals, based at Star City, said he has been blown away by his employer's support.
"Pat, the manager there, is the type of manager you need in these tough situations. It's a little family down there. A massive thank you to everyone - if I could repay everyone I would for sure."
No arrests have been made following the incident, West Midlands Police[6] confirmed. The force said in a previous statement: "We were called after a man was injured when a car was stolen from a garage forecourt in Chester Road, Tyburn at around 9.15am on Friday, November 10.
“Officers attended and found a man being attended to by paramedics before being taken to hospital with leg injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening. A Vauxhall car was later found by officers in Chelmsley Wood and is being recovered for forensic opportunities.
“Anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat on our website, or call 101, quoting log 825 of 10 November. To tell us what you know, not who you are, you can speak to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
References
- ^ terrifying carjacking (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Sainsbury's (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ earlier this month (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Jaguar Land Rover (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Carjacked dad knocked down and dragged for 100m in shocking Sainsbury's ordeal (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ West Midlands Police (www.birminghammail.co.uk)