Special needs boy's tricycle stolen as mother seeks help

A 9-year-old in Los Feliz had his custom adaptive tricycle stolen and his mother filed a police report; a GoFundMe has raised nearly $8,500.

Marie Johnson said her 9-year-old son Jack, who has Down syndrome and autism, had his custom adaptive tricycle taken from their Los Feliz backyard this week. She posted online asking for help and reported the theft to the Los Angeles Police Department. Jack relied on the trike for mobility and independence, and his family has not told him about the incident. Neighbors and online supporters organized a GoFundMe that has surpassed its goal to help replace the tricycle. Known details: - The family reported the custom tricycle was taken from their Los Feliz backyard, according to their account. - Marie Johnson filed a police report with the Los Angeles Police Department. - A GoFundMe set up for Jack had raised nearly $8,500, exceeding a $7,000 goal, and the fundraiser noted the landlord offered a locked area to store a replacement trike. - The family has not yet told Jack about the theft; his mother said she did not want to explain it to him. Summary: The theft removed a familiar mobility aid that the child used for independence and prompted a police report and community fundraising. Fundraising has provided funds for a replacement and housing for it, and further investigative steps were not specified. Undetermined at this time.