PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A local veteran and peace activist whose handcycle was stolen near the Springwater Corridor on Saturday got it back late Monday afternoon.
Brian Willson’s handbike was recovered and returned by Portland police:
Willson said the handcycle has been his primary mode of transportation since he lost his legs nearly 30 years ago when he was run over by a train during a military protest.
“For me, my handcycle is my exercise, it’s my form of transportation,” he said.
He told KOIN 6 News he parked the handcycle right outside his home on SE 104th Avenue and Foster Road Saturday afternoon. Shortly after, it was gone.
“It was right here, it was right here,” Willson said.
He reported the theft to Portland Police Bureau and registered it with the city’s stolen bike index. On Monday morning, Willson said he saw his handcycle online.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t pinpoint exactly who posted it or where it was.
“It’s very frustrating,” he said. “It’s even frustrating to see the photo online, know that somebody took this photo and just posted without saying who they were.”
Police and community members did all they could to track down Willson’s bike. He said he had all but lost hope until there was a knock on his front door.
“I went to the door and it was 2 police officers,” Willson said. “I could see the cycle outside, it was out front, and I was thrilled.”
Willson, who proudly served his country, said Monday his community served him.
“I’m thrilled, what can I say? So many eyes and ears, 2,000 shares on my Facebook page,” he said. “I just know I have to lock it anytime I’m not physically present.”
The handcycle was recovered just 3 blocks away from Willson’s home.
Filed under: Crime, Local News, Multnomah County, Oregon, Portland, Robberies, Top Video
