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WHAT: Victims of Wheelchair Theft Speak Out

WHEN: Friday, December 5, 2008
10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Parker Center
150 North Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles, Calif. 90012

WHO: Crime Victims and Family Members

WHY: Los Angeles Police Department detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a stolen wheelchair belonging to an individual with cerebral palsy, as well as stolen wheelchair wheels belonging to an additional victim who is paralyzed.

On November 22, 2008, a vehicle containing a custom-made wheelchair for a cerebral palsy patient was stolen. The vehicle was recovered but the wheelchair, which is crucial to the mobility of the patient, was missing.

On November 29, 2008, a second victim’s vehicle containing spare wheelchair wheels and tires was stolen. Similar to the previous case, the vehicle was recovered without the wheelchair accessories. The victim, who was paralyzed when a robbery suspect shot him during an attempt to steal his vehicle, needs the use of his wheelchair on a daily basis.

Insurance will not cover the loss of the victims’ stolen property and they cannot afford to replace it.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to call a 24-hour toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247). Callers may also text “CRIMES” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web Tips. When using a cell phone, messages should always begin with “LAPD.” All calls and contacts are anonymous.