MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The University of Memphis issued a safety alert overnight after three suspects stole a woman’s car and hit her with it as they fled the area.

According to campus police, the incident happened in the South Lot around midnight.

The 19-year-old freshmen told officers she was walking to her car when a man grabbed her keys from her hand. He raced across Houston Street near Southern Avenue and then jumped into her car with two other men.

“I thought that just because we’re in college it had to be a joke. I didn’t think it was anything serious, so I started running after them,” the victim said.

Realizing it wasn’t a joke, she says she watched as the men got in her car.

She says she tried pulling the driver out, but he pushed her down and ran over her leg before speeding away.

“I was just thinking that I want my car. I don’t want you to take something my parents worked for me to get.”

She says the suspects also stole her wallet, credit card and driver’s license.

“Everything can be replaced. It’s nothing that can’t be replaced.”

With that in mind, she’s not sure taking on the thieves was a good idea.

“I mean I’m alive. That’s all I can say. It could have been worse. They could have had a weapon, but likely they didn’t.”

Despite what happened, she says she still feels safe in the area.

“It can happen anywhere,” she said. “I’m not upset about it. It’s just something that happened and there’s nothing I can do about it.”

As for the thieves, “I honestly forgive them. I don’t have any hard feelings towards them. I don’t.”

The vehicle was reportedly a 2005 Honda Accord with TN license plate S2669E.

If you can help, call the University Police Department  at (901) 678-4357 or the Memphis Police Department at (901) 545-2677.