With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here .
Autistic Girl's Custom-Made Tricycle Stolen In Marina Del Rey
Police are looking for two terrible men who stole a special needs girl's custom-made tricycle that was gifted to her by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
The theft happened on Nov. 30 in Marina Del Rey at the Marina City Club Condominium complex, where the bike was being stored at the home of a family friend, KTLA reports . The trike belonged to Mia Timbrello, a 12-year-old girl who has been rendered mute by severe autism. She also underwent a double organ transplant when she was a baby and the medication prescribed to her after that transplant made her deaf.
Mia received the tricycle in April of last year from the foundation and loved it. "It was very sentimental to her because she can't ride a normal bike," Detective Keysha Gipson told CBS 2.
Surveillance footage shows two men hoisting the bulky bike over a fence on the property. Police are currently unsure as the the reason why someone would steal Mia's special trike.
Sponsored message
Initially, Mia's family reported the theft to building employees, but did not file a police report until recently, the L.A. Times reports .
The tricycle is described as a fire-orange tandem, with three wheels and a back rest in the front seat to support Mia. The trike is also electronically powered. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the bike is urged to contact Detective Keysha Gipson at 310-482-6000. Anyone wanting to make an anonymous tip should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477)
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
