Police said the alleged thief stole a portable Nintendo DS video game system from a fellow bus passenger on The Grand Parade at Monterey.

Inspector Gary Charlesworth said the thief then ran behind the bus and was hit by a Volkswagen Golf.

"He stole the DS then ran in front of a Golf hatch being driven south and was struck by the front bumper, hitting the windscreen causing it to shatter,'' Inspector Charlesworth said.

"When the vehicle slowed to a stop the man has slid down the bonnet onto the roadway. He got up and limped across The Grand Parade running south, obviously hurt.'' Police want to speak with witnesses to the incident.

Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000