94-Year-Old’s Stolen Tricycle Sparks Fundraiser

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Just one day after announcing the theft of a 94-year-old man’s motorized tricycle – his only form of transportation – St. Petersburg Police say inquiries are pouring in from people who want to help. With that in mind, the agency has announced that Suncoast Law Enforcement Charities has stepped forward to accept donations toward the cause.

The case that prompted the outpouring of support unfolded on July 18 when Richard Griffin rode his tricycle to the CVS at 4260 Sixth St. S. Police say, someone stole his tricycle while he was inside the store.

Get the St. Pete Patch newsletter and alerts in your inbox.

“This is a motorized trike and requires a key to operate, so it’s not easy to move,” the police department wrote in a Wednesday, July 26 email to media. “For this reason, we believe someone may dump it once they realize they can’t even pawn it.”

Police say the tricycle is Griffin’s only form of transportation. “He can’t afford the estimated $2,700 to replace it,” the email added.

While police are still looking for the tricycle and the culprit behind the theft, donations are being accepted to replace Griffin’s ride. Anyone who would like to donate is asked to make a check out to SCLEC with “Richard Griffin” written in the memo line. Checks should be sent to: Suncoast Law Enforcement Charities c/o St. Petersburg Police Department, 1300 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33705.

Anyone with information about who took the tricycle or where it might be is asked to call the police department’s non-emergency line at 727-893-7780.

A detailed suspect description is not available.

Keep up with what's happening by following St. Pete Patch on Facebook.

Image via Shutterstock