A bike specifically manufactured for a 13-year-old with special needs was swiped from a Burbank apartment complex, and police were on the hunt Wednesday to find the man caught on surveillance footage.
"For me, it makes me the same as every other person," said Damian Jeffries, who has cerebral palsy.
The three-wheeler was taken from the complex in the 4500 block of Clybourn Avenue on Jan. 23, Burbank police said.
Damian was in disbelief that someone could steal his custom bike.
"What human being wouldn't think maybe this is a handicapped kid's bike?" he said.
The man can be seen on the surveillance footage taking the gray and black Berkel Pro 3 bike valued at $5,300.
Damian's mom said the bike designed just for him had opened up new worlds for her high-functioning disabled son.
"For his benefit, having the ability to still pedal was really important and went with a combination bike," Allesha Jeffries said. "It's great for him! All four limbs are working."
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Damian said he wondered if the man who stole it knew the value of the bike.
"He was either desperate, or a jerk," Damian said. "Or he did it to pawn it."
Allisha said they had raised money to finally get the bike through fundraisers.
The same man was also accused of taking a sewing machine from a pickup truck at the same apartment complex.
The man in the video was described as white or Hispanic man in his mid-30s, about 5-feet 10-inches tall, and weighing between 160 and 180 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, a black and white beanie, and dark jeans.
If the man or the bike is spotted, Burbank police asked the public to contact the department at (818) 238-3000.
If you would like to help Damian, you can visit his GoFundMe page.
