Police say a man halted a home invasion and beating by removing four women from the scene with one "giant bear hug. "

The incident in South Peoria allegedly began about 6:45 p.m. Thursday at a home where a public assistance money card that had no balance was sold for $80.

According to reports, police reported a woman was injured by several suspects who entered the home and used an iron to hit her - causing a facial laceration.

A witness in the home told police he emerged from his bedroom to see four women beating the victim.

The man told authorities he ejected the suspects from the living room - all at once - using a "giant bear hug maneuver."