Handicapped man watches as ramp is stolen for scrap metal

Handicapped man watches as ramp is stolen for scrap metal

Last Update: 6/30 4:58 pm
KSN.COM Channel 3, Wichita

WICHITA, Kansas – A handicapped Wichita man got quite a surprise Tuesday when he looked out his window to see a thief walking away with his wheelchair ramp.

For 72-year-old disabled Wichita veteran James Richardson, it was an astonishing crime.

"How brave are people, bright daylight, 10 o’clock, 10:30, it's crazy,” he said.

It was Tuesday morning when Richardson would look out his window and realize he was the city’s latest victim of a metal theft.

"I see this guy walking down the street with my ramp,” he said. “It's 78 pounds, six feet long."

The wheelchair ramp was stolen right out of Richardson’s yard. After seeing his ramp being carried away, he called 911.

Police contacted nearby Wichita Iron and Metal, who said someone had just dropped off a wheelchair ramp. Thanks to a new city ordinance that requires those who sell scrap to give a picture ID, officers were able to quickly locate and arrest the 50-year-old suspect.

"It makes the identification of the suspect of possible stolen property much easier to identify, track down and arrest,” said Lt. Mike Hennessy with the Wichita Police Department.

Police say the ramp, which was paid for by the VA, is valued at $3,000 and the thief stole it and sold it for a whopping $7.20.

"It's my dad,” said Jimmy Richardson, James’ son. “He's a veteran and he’s old. This is sad."

The good news is the Richardson’s were able to get the ramp back and despite some parts being bent, James will be able to once again get out of his home.


Police say anything metal should be locked up because metal thefts continue to be a problem across the city.

[link to www.ksn.com]