Car containing daughter’s wheelchair stolen from Yorktown Heights family
Yonkers firefighter Bob Finnegan and his wife Elizabeth were left shocked when thieves took off with their 2017 Toyota Sienna several days ago.
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A car containing a young girl’s wheelchair was stolen from a family in Yorktown Heights.
Yonkers firefighter Bob Finnegan and his wife Elizabeth were left shocked when thieves took off with their 2017 Toyota Sienna several days ago.
“I went out to go to work. I stepped outside and it took a few seconds to realize my car was no longer here,” said Finnegan.
“We left the car open. It’s one of those keyless cars and we just left the fob inside. So, it wasn't very hard for them to take it," he said.
In addition to tools and their son’s lacrosse equipment, the vehicle also contained their 10-year-old daughter Mia’s custom-made wheelchair. Mia, who has cerebral palsy, needs the expensive wheelchair to get around.
"I want to take my chair back. I wish I had my chair,” she said.
"It was specially fitted for her, so it’s not like we can just rent one. It would be a long process. She's got mobility issues and it’s hard enough,” said her father.
While Yorktown Heights police are still investigating the vehicle and property theft, there are currently no leads.
The Finnegan family says the experience has taught them a difficult lesson.
“I'm definitely a little more cautious now. I want to make sure the garage doors are shut, that we lock up, but one thing that has blown me away is the kindness of the people in our neighborhood,” said Elizabeth Finnegan.
She says many friends, coworkers and neighbors have offered to help in the aftermath of the theft.
While the family would love to get their vehicle back, their primary hope is for the thieves to return their daughter’s wheelchair.
"Just somehow drop the chair off at the fire department or something. Summer is coming, and she really could use that chair,” said Bob Finnegan.
