A 23-year-old Sampson County man checking on a suspicious vehicle in his yard in the early morning hours of Sunday morning was airlifted to UNC Hospitals after the vehicle ran over him — twice.

According to Sampson County Sheriff’s reports, 23-year-old Felix Watson noticed a suspicious white Ford Explorer sitting in his yard Sunday around 3:50 a.m. Watson walked out to the vehicle to see why the two men were parked in his yard, located on Baggett Lane, near the Mingo community. Eyewitnesses told investigators that before he could get to the driver’s side door, the engine revved and the vehicle ran over Watson. As he lay on the ground in shock, reports note, the vehicle backed up and ran over him again then it took off.

The suspects were identified as two males, one Hispanic, the other possibly Hispanic.

“That is really all we have to go on right now,” said Cpl. Marcus Smith. “We have a description of the vehicle and a limited description of the suspects. We are hoping someone may have been in the area at the time of the incident or possibly knows where the vehicle is. We need the public’s information on this one.”

Smith said it was not clear why the men were parked in the yard in the first place, but the investigation is ongoing.

If you have any information regarding this incident, you are asked to call the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-592-4141. All tips will be anonymous.

Watson suffered internal injuries during the incident and was listed in serious condition Monday afternoon.

To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or email to sisports@heartlandpublications.com.