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Good Samaritan has car stolen while saving autistic teen's life

A man’s heroic act in saving an autistic boy’s life has been soured after his car was allegedly stolen by thieves during his selfless actions in Victoria.

Despite having his car swiped, father-of-two Aaron McKirdy said he would “absolutely do it again” after he pulled over and ran into traffic, concerned that 14-year-old Darcy’s life was in serious danger.

Aaron McKirdy chased down 14-year-old Darcy when he noticed him wandering through traffic. Source: 7 News
Aaron McKirdy chased down 14-year-old Darcy when he noticed him wandering through traffic. Source: 7 News

Mr McKirdy noticed the boy almost get hit by two cars near the intersection of Ballarat Road and Rosamond Road.

“I thought he was going to die,” Mr McKirdy said.

“I thought he was going to get hit by a car.”

That’s when he pulled his brand-new ute over on the footpath. Two other men also tried to coax Darcy to safety.

But as the father-of-two was saving the boy, it’s alleged two men in a stolen car noticed his ute.

One of them got allegedly behind the wheel of the ute, which also had Mr McKirdy’s wallet, keys and a laptop inside, before driving off.

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It's alleged a man stole Mr McKirdy's car after he pulled over to help the boy. Source: 7 News
It's alleged a man stole Mr McKirdy's car after he pulled over to help the boy. Source: 7 News

Despite being the victim of alleged thieves, and struggling to sleep overnight concerned the men had access to his home along with his address, Mr McKirdy said the most important thing for him was “that this kid didn’t get hit by a car”.

The father's actions haven’t gone unnoticed by the teenager’s family and police, however.

Victoria Police Detective Senior Constable Brett Thomas said the father-of-two should be “commended” for helping Darcy.

Police have commended the father-of-two. Source: 7 News
Police have commended the father-of-two. Source: 7 News

“He put his own life at risk going through oncoming traffic,” he said.

The 14-year-old’s relieved mother, Jennifer Mills, said Darcy was “in such a dire predicament” but was happy people were willing to “throw themselves in there” and save her boy, who was more than 2km from home.

A 51-year-old man has been charged over the theft but the car is yet to be recovered.