8-Year-Old Boy's Stolen Leg Braces Returned

An 8-year-old boy's stolen leg braces were returned to him Saturday night, days after his family called for their return.

The family of Riley, who is living with complex, bilateral club foot, discovered that overnight someone came by their Victorville home and put his leg braces in the back of their truck bed.

They were stunned and heartbroken when they discovered his new leg braces were stolen from his mother's car on Wednesda leg braces he desperately needs.

A thief entered the family's property, broke into his mother's locked car and stole electronics and leg braces specifically designed for Riley.

Riley underwent several operations before receiving the leg braces, which helps with his mobility. He does not need them at all times, but walking is painful for lengths of time without the braces, which were customized for Riley in October.

"It's hard for me because my legs are going to hurt," Riley said at the time. "I want my braces back … please."

Riley's grandmother Shirley was overwhelmed by the theft and said the family has gone through emotional and financial stresses just to get Riley to this point.

"Getting these braces was so hard, and he's actually facing another operation. So, yeah, it's very disheartening," she said.

Riley's mother, who asked not to be identified, said her son received the braces through his health insurance, which she estimated cost about $5,000.

The returned braces had been damaged, but will be repaired.

Editor's note: This story has been updated for clarification and to properly identify Riley's condition and when he received the braces.

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