Photo: Permobil
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Wheelchair stolen from teen during Twins game
On the field at the Metrodome Tuesday night, the Twins played the White Sox. "Great game. They were down, but they came back and won," says Twins fan Sam Dougherty of St. Paul. But off the field, someone played a different game. 17-year-old Sam watches the Twins as often as he can. He uses an electric wheelchair to get around. He has a neuro-muscular disorder. "It makes my muscles tire easily, so I can walk a little bit, but then I have to sit and rest," says Sam. Last night, Sam went to the Metrodome with his family. They left his wheelchair on the concourse and walked down to their seats to watch the game. The Doughertys know it wasn't necessarily the best place to leave a wheelchair, but they've done it before and haven't had any problems. "We're trusting. We leave the chair there and trust that people are going to respect that," says Rick Dougherty, Sam's father. But out in the open like that, Sam's wheelchair became an easy target. "We'd never even think somebody would come and take a wheelchair," says Rick. After the game and at the top of the staircase, the wheelchair specifically designed for Sam was indeed gone. It had not been moved by Twins or Metrodome staff, but had instead been swiped by a thief. In fact, a Metrodome security camera caught an image of a man driving Sam's wheelchair out Gate F. It happened in the 7th inning. "I would like to think they had a good reason for doing it, like maybe they had a family member who needed it or they thought they could sell it for some money or something," says Sam. Sam wants his chair returned. It's something he relies on. And he hopes the only stealing he sees at his next Twins game is on the field. "It helps me get places. I have much more freedom with it. I can do things with my friends a lot easier," says Sam. "Just no hard feelings. Just bring it back." KARE 11 did speak with a Twins spokesperson Wednesday. Kevin Smith says what happened is certainly terrible. He says anyone who has a wheelchair can check it in with guest services. The Twins will keep the chair in a secure area and use another wheelchair to bring you to your seat. The wheelchair was designed by Permobil. It's black and grey. On the back, Sam has the numbers '0' and '9'. They are written in blue duct tape. The chair cost about $15,000 dollars and takes several months to make. Sam's father Rick says the benefit the chair provides to his son is invaluable.Watch surveillance video of suspect in stolen wheelchair Anyone with information should call the Minneapolis Police Department at 612-673-2995.
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