Modesto Thieves Steal Disabled Man's Tricycle
MODESTO (CBS13) — Thieves stole a disabled man's specialty tricycle that's his only mode of independent transportation.
For five years, the specialty reclined tricycle was the way Brad Bowman got around. He can't walk for long periods of time after a traumatic brain injury weakened his right hand and leg.
"It's a tricycle-style bike. Two wheels on the side, one on the front," said his brother Vincent Bowman. "He's able to with his one hand, maneuver the entire bike."
On Saturday, Brad Bowman got a flat tire and left his tricycle outside of Fun Sports, just a few feet from his apartment. The next morning, before Brad and his brother could go back, a group of men went after the tricycle.
"It was four men about 3:30 in the morning, with a really large pair of bolt cutters and it took them about 10 minutes to pry that lock apart," Vincent said.
Fun Sports has surveillance video, but doesn't recognize the suspects.
In parts, the aluminum is only worth a couple of bucks. But all together, the specialty trike is work about $2,000, and it's extremely difficult to use unless you know what you're doing.
The video shows the suspects did not. One suspect attempts to ride it, but soon gives up and pushes it away.
"It's a big deal bike and it's a bummer because you expect people to feel confident locking up a bike at a bike rack," said Nick Blackwood at Fun Sports. "It's a real bummer to know someone can't take it somewhere they're expected to be safe and have it taken."
The Bowman brothers have filed a police report and hope someone returns the tricycle.