Adult tricycle stolen from teen with autism in Dexter
Jake Jones ran inside his home for just a moment to grab a drink while spending time with friends last Thursday.
But it was long enough for the Dexter High School student's adult tricycle to disappear from the front yard.
Jones, 16, uses the bike as a regular form of transportation because he is autistic and has balance issues linked to it. He does not have a driver's license.
"To be independent, this is his only mode of transportation," said his mother, Kim Jones. "He uses it every day, even in the winter."
He immediately called the police for help. A neighbor reported seeing two people get out of a white pickup truck and load the trike into the vehicle. It was on trash day and Kim Jones believes they might have thought it was also being tossed out.
The special tricycle is valued at more than $500. It is a cobalt blue Miami Sun trike with a white basket attached to the back. It has a mirror attached to the left handle bar.
Anyone with information about the tricycle is asked to call the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department anonymous tip line at 734-973-7711.
Tina Reed is a reporter for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at 734-623-2535 or at tinareed@annarbor.com.
Comments
Tina Reed
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 3:21 p.m.
You're right. We've posted an update to the story about the return of the tricycle here: http://www.annarbor.com/news/tricycle-taken-from-dexter-teen-with-autism-returned-in-middle-of-night/ Kim Jones said she plans on starting a charity with donations she's received for getting bicycles to kids with special needs so maybe there is a need for your tricycle.
mkm17
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 3:03 p.m.
We just learned that the tricycle has been returned to its owner. It had been picked up by someone who mistakenly thought it was being discarded. The officer I talked to might know of someone else in need of an adult tricycle, and she will get back to us. We are still more than happy to donate the Miami Sun tricycle we have here.
Mick52
Wed, Jul 14, 2010 : 11:20 a.m.
Any chance we can see a photo of the bike, Tina? Also the area where this occurred and the direction of travel of the thieves might be of use. Did the neighbor get a license plate number? If so, then the bike should be recovered soon. This is terrible, I will donate also if a fund is set up.
robyn
Wed, Jul 14, 2010 : 10:39 a.m.
It's really great to see people coming together to help someone out. @ mkm17 - How very generous of you. I'm lovin' all this good Karma! I'd be happy to donate for a bike also. Since the WCS is handling the investigation - I'm sure they can be contacted about replacing this kid's bike. I'm betting they'd also love to deliver it too.
mkm17
Wed, Jul 14, 2010 : 9:12 a.m.
I have a beautiful Miami Sun that has never been ridden. My ex-husband bought it a few years ago for his Mom. She does not ride it, so he gave it to me to give to my Mom. My Mom will also not ride it. My ex-husband paid about $350 for it. I was going to sell it on craigslist but we would be happy to give it to Jake if his cycle is not recovered.
Mr. Tibbs
Wed, Jul 14, 2010 : 8:44 a.m.
the sad story truly is we cannot do to these individuals who do this sort of thing what needs to happen. so deal with it. it will only get worse. until we return to a time where a mans honor can be upheld AND defended. things like this will continue, at all levels of society. no honor, no ethics, no discipline, no instruction. all we have is a feel good society....who feels good about this?
Tina Reed
Wed, Jul 14, 2010 : 8:26 a.m.
Thank you for the comments. This story has been changed to reflect better language in the headline and the story. I will keep you updated if the trike is found.
JGS
Wed, Jul 14, 2010 : 7:56 a.m.
Count me in on donating for this young man's new bike. Just need to know when and where we can donate. Maybe we could get Dexter Bike and Sport to charter this and allow donations be dropped off there? You're right... That would be way to slow. I'm all in for donating though. If you find something out, email me: gamemisconduct at gmail.com
Rasputin
Wed, Jul 14, 2010 : 7:15 a.m.
Personal responsibility? Locking up your items when not in use? These are all lessons learned the hard way. Disability or not.
Elaine F. Owsley
Wed, Jul 14, 2010 : 6:08 a.m.
Wasn't this story on television new last week?
indigonation
Wed, Jul 14, 2010 : 12:55 a.m.
People do not suffer from autism it is not a disease its a different way of seeing the world and life. Also its just straight up sad that anyone would do something like this.
Neal Elyakin
Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 9:16 p.m.
To Ms. Reed, Please use person first language when describing people; some may believe that a person 'suffers' from a disability, but many people who have disabilities do not describe themselves as such. I am sorry that someone took this young man's means of transportation, and I do hope that it is returned.
aafriend
Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 9:04 p.m.
I appreciate you reporting on this story, but I feel it is important to use language correctly. Person first language, please. This young man is a person with autism. Also, one does not suffer from autism, he is not broken and does not need to be fixed. Thank you
TheGerman
Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 8:46 p.m.
I'll donate as well if we can get something set up. I found a new one online for $349.93: http://www.sunandski.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=7736057580610&Click=282&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=7736057580610
treetowncartel
Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 7:43 p.m.
Travesty indeed. I'm with you Mikey, I'd pitch in a few bucks too, but hopefully the people in the white pick up truck will find out and make it a moot point.
Mikey2u
Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 7:36 p.m.
How can a fund be established so AnnArbor.com readers can contribute towards getting this kid back on the road? I can chip in a few bucks if someone can tell me where to send it.
girlhunter
Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 5:04 p.m.
What a world we live in.. I hope the people who took it.. at least has the heart to return it to him.. by now I would hope that they would know how big of a mistake they have made!
arborlib
Tue, Jul 13, 2010 : 4:54 p.m.
What a sad story! What has the world come to?