Lehi, Utah — A Utah County man remains hospitalized after being run over and dragged by a pickup truck Friday afternoon while attempting to confront two alleged shoplifting suspects outside a local hobby store, according to police and family members.
The incident occurred at A Mad Mans Hobby Store, a small, locally owned business in Lehi that sells remote-controlled cars, parts, and miniature vehicles ranging in price from $100 to more than $1,500.
Alleged Theft Caught on Surveillance Video
Store owner Teresa Mott said surveillance footage shows a man and woman entering the shop and asking for a specific Traxxas brand part. After staff retrieved the item, the man reportedly asked if he could browse the store.
According to Mott, the woman appeared to hold the front door open while the man picked up a high-end RC car kit valued at approximately $1,000 and walked out without paying.
“It’s not a corporate thing or a big chain of stores,” Mott said. “When something like that is stolen, it comes directly out of my pocket.”
Employee Attempts to Confront Suspects
After noticing the alleged theft, Mott alerted her employee, Mark Willson, who then followed the suspects outside.
Willson’s daughter, Shellie Vincent, said her father approached the truck from the driver’s side in an attempt to confront the pair about the stolen item.
She said Willson noticed the truck’s reverse lights come on and grabbed onto the tailgate, believing it was the only way to avoid being hit.
“He was trying to hop on so he didn’t get smashed,” Vincent said.
Victim Dragged Down the Street
According to Vincent, the truck sped off with Willson holding on. The vehicle briefly slowed down before accelerating again as Willson attempted to get free.
“As he was trying to get off so he wouldn’t fall, they sped up again,” Vincent said. “That’s when it caught his feet and pulled him into the wheel well.”
A witness later helped Mott locate Willson about a block away from the store, lying injured in the street.
“His face was smashed, blood everywhere,” Mott said. “His legs were pointed the wrong direction. He looked like a ragdoll.”
Severe Injuries and Ongoing Medical Care
Willson was transported to a hospital, where his family says he was diagnosed with multiple broken bones and will require several surgeries as part of his recovery.
“You never expect someone you care about — your dad — to be run over and left in the middle of the street,” Vincent said. “Over an item. It’s just not right.”
Family members have not released specific details about his condition but confirmed his injuries are serious.
Police Searching for Suspects
The Lehi City Police Department confirmed that the suspects — a man and a woman — have not yet been identified.
Police said the pair were last seen driving a newer black Dodge Ram with black rims and tinted windows. Investigators are asking anyone who may recognize the vehicle or the suspects to contact authorities.
At this time, no arrests have been made.
Reminder About Personal Safety
While police continue the investigation, authorities and business owners alike are reminding the public that confronting suspects can be extremely dangerous.
Mott said she hopes the incident serves as a warning to others.
“No merchandise is worth a life,” she said.
Ongoing Investigation
The case remains under investigation as detectives review surveillance footage and seek additional witnesses who may have seen the truck or the suspects before or after the incident.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Lehi police.
As Willson continues his recovery, his family says they are focused on his medical care and hoping for accountability.
If you have witnessed a similar incident or have information that could help investigators, share your experiences in the comments below.
