Police Search For Wheelchair Bandit

When a 68-year-old Florida man left his pricey electric-powered wheelchair parked outside of Palm Too restaurant on 2nd Avenue and 45th Street recently, it didn't take long for someone to snag it. The disabled man was dining with his daughter when the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on July 20th; his $5,000 wheelchair has not been recovered. A witness allegedly saw the suspect driving the wheelchair, which has a top speed of 4 MPH, northbound after he stole it.

Police have now released a photo of the heartless suspect, who would face grand larceny charges if found. The man is describedas "a white or hispanic man about 25-30 years old... about 5'8"-5'10", 160-170 pounds with short, dark hair." Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS, or submit a tip by at www.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.com, or you can even text a tip, to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Carlson in News on August 18, 2010 9:26 AM

Comments [rss]

Kelles

not meaning to be insensitive but leaving a $5000 motorized wheelchair out on a NY street isn't a great idea.

Dolomite

Not sure why they can't release a picture of the guy stealing the wheelchair if he is the actual person who did it.

John L

I'm with you this because it seems that whenever there's a crime all detectives do is look at surveillance videos and just pick someone out. Like during the Times Square attempted bombing where the poor sap who decided to take off his shirt became the prime suspect based on just that.

What a horrible person this guy is! I hope he gets the maximum jail time, please no bs plea deal.

If these wheelchairs cost so much they're going to have to start putting lojack on them.

Spirit of 76

You guys are mean. I say we let the thief keep the wheelchair. Right after we let Lenny from Mulberry Street fix him so he actually needs it. YouknowwhatI'msayin'?