Long Beach Family Hopes For Return Of Bike Stolen From Boy With Autism
LONG BEACH (CBSLA.com) — One of the first things 2-year-old Lucas Simons communicated to his parents was a desire to get on a bike.
Lucas, who has autism, held a bike helmet to his parents and they knew exactly what he wanted.
Now, the family takes nightly rides together – and Lucas' face lights up every time. The family considers the rides to be therapy.
But around 5:40 p.m. on Thursday, the family's black beach cruiser -- adorned with Lucas' distinctively large green seat -- was stolen from the family's driveway near Parkcrest Street and Palo Verde Avenue.
The theft shocked the family, and Lucas' mother and father are reaching out to anyone who might be able to help track down the bike.
"We love our neighbors and to think that this could happen on our street was unthinkable," Lucas' mother, Nancy Simons, said.
Right away, Nancy Simons placed a sign on the family's front year to raise awareness, and has also posted on social media.
Multiple people offered to buy a new bike, and bike seat, for Lucas. The family is appreciative of the offers, but holding out hope that Lucas' bike will be returned.
"Yes we can go buy another one, but it has nothing to do with the monetary value of the bike," Nancy Simons said. "Think before you act. You never know who you're affecting. My son is devastated."