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Family Of Man Injured After Having Wallet Stolen Says Recovery Could Be Lengthy

Posted at 10:48 PM, Mar 19, 2013
and last updated 2013-03-19 22:48:14-04

WYOMING, Mich. – 47-year-old William Ketchem told police he was he was thrown from the hood of a thief’s car in an attempt to get his stolen wallet back.   As of Tuesday night, police say no arrests have been made.

Now, the victim’s family is hoping that someone will come forward with information to help in the investigation.

On Friday night, Ketchem was found lying in the street outside his home on Burlingame Street in Wyoming.  He was taken by ambulance to the hospital.

His family says it will likely take months of rehab before he’ll be able to return home.

Every day, Ketchem’s mother, Doreen, would be visited by her son.  He came over to help take care of his quadriplegic sister.

“Without him, we are really in a mess,” said Doreen.

Ketchem is now the one who requires around the clock care.  Police said he was injured while trying to prevent a criminal from getting away.

“He came running out of the house, all he had on was his shorts, and he jumped on that car,” his mother said.

Ketchem couldn’t hold on as the car sped off.  Police say they are looking for a white four-door sedan.

“He went backwards off the car, fell on his back, his head, broke his arm, fingers.  His back and shoulders were injured, and head is bleeding and is still bleeding.”  Doreen said.  “That bleeding from his head is causing his troubles now.”

Since his injuries Doreen said her own son doesn’t remember much and doesn’t recognize her when she comes to visit him at the hospital.

“I cried,” she said.  “I thought he was going to die.”

On Monday, the family heard from a neighbor that claims to have found Ketchem’s stolen wallet had been found.

“She saw the wallet in the church yard, which was only a few doors from Billy,” said Doreen.

However, whoever found the wallet is yet to return it.  The family is hoping that someone may know who stole Ketchem’s wallet and that information will lead to an arrest.