Man wanted for stealing gas, damaging van at Manayunk community center
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A community center in Manayunk is having a hard time transporting kids to their after-school program because one of their vans was damaged by a thief.
The North Light Community Center is now down to just two vans for transporting nearly 50 kids to their after-school program.
Security cameras captured a thief stealing gasoline from one of their vehicles last Friday, Dec. 29, and police believe the man is Michael Crossan.
"It's very vital," Krista Wieder, the executive director of the North Light Community Center, said. "We use it every day. Whether it's for our food pantry to transport food or for our children."
The center has been providing services and youth programs since 1936.
Wieder says even though this is an unusual crime, this is the second time since last year that it's happened to them.
"Thankfully then it was with one of our older vans," Wieder said.
But this time, Wieder says it was a brand new vehicle's gas tank that the thief drilled a hole into which allowed him to collect the gasoline.
And while he put the gas in his trunk, at least two cars drove by before he got inside what looked to be a light-colored classic car.
"Needs have really gone up, so although this is very frustrating for us, we understand that people are dealing with hard times right now and we hope we can continue to serve the community as best as we can," Wieder said.
As police continued to look for Crossan, they said they located the car that was used and found the gas container he left on the property.
"People recognized the car, some people recognized the individual, so there's been some folks reaching out with information and being willing to speak to police," Wieder said.
Even though the center is usually the place people go for support, the nonprofit is now turning to the community to help raise nearly $2,200 for repairs to the van.
"We often have folks who give in times like this, so donations are always helpful," Wieder said.
The staff at the center said the van should be back up and running by next Monday or Tuesday.
Northwest Detectives are investigating and anyone with information can contact police at 215-686-TIPS.
This story has been updated to reflect when the theft took place.
