UPDATE: Stolen tricycle returned to girl with special needs

UPDATE 8:40 p.m.: Avery’s grandmother Loretta says Pocatello Police have found the tricycle.

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ORIGINAL:

Avery Price is 14-years-old. She was born with anencephaly and has never been able to walk on her own.

Three years ago, she received a specially made Rifton adaptive tricycle, donated by the Shriner’s hospital in Utah.

“It’s good to strengthen her back and her legs,” Avery’s grandmother Loretta explained. “And we were looking forward to getting on it and getting going this summer.”

But last Wednesday, the tricycle was brought to 925 Meadowbrook Lane in Pocatello, where Avery was staying with her grandmother and left in the front yard. A few hours later, it was gone.

Loretta reported it missing to the police, but the department has had no luck locating it or anyone involved in its theft.

Lt. Eric Anderson of the Pocatello Police Department says that thefts are pretty common this time of year.

“As the weather gets warmer there’s more people out and about. Our thefts rise when it’s warmer,” Anderson said.

Even so, tricycle thefts are uncommon. Generally, it’s bikes that are taken.

“We have a lot of bike thefts,” he said.

The family, confused as to why someone would take Avery’s trike, just wants it back.

“I would just like to see it returned,” Loretta said. “I mean if somebody knows where it is, just bring it back to the yard or put it in front of the police department, or just drop it off somewhere and somebody will see it and get it back to us.”

Since the trike was reported missing on May 1, dozens have been looking for ways to help, reaching out on social media and to Loretta directly.

“The amount of responses is incredible in this community and I appreciate that so much. We do,” she said.

“I am just overwhelmed with the response of people and the outpouring of concern. And it’s hard to believe that nobody’s seen it.”

Loretta explained that they have a great support system of family and friends who will help them replace it if they need to, but they’re still optimistic it will be found.

Lt. Anderson said that if someone is found with the tricycle they will likely be charged with possession of stolen property, which, in this case, could be a felony due to the value of the tricycle.

Anyone with information about the tricycle and its whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Pocatello Police Department.