What happened to the special needs boy's tricycle?

The boy's custom adaptive tricycle was stolen from his Los Feliz backyard.

How did the community respond to the tricycle theft?

The community quickly raised nearly $8,500 through a GoFundMe campaign to replace the stolen trike.

Why is the mother not telling her son about the theft?

The mother is protecting her son, who has Down syndrome and autism, from the distress the news might cause him.

Home / Crime and Justice / Community Rallies for Stolen Tricycle

Community Rallies for Stolen Tricycle

9 Feb

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Summary

Special needs boy's adaptive tricycle stolen from backyard.
Community raised thousands to replace stolen trike.
Boy unaware of theft, mother shielding him from distress.

A California community has demonstrated incredible generosity after a special needs boy's adaptive tricycle was stolen from his Los Feliz backyard. The custom trike was a crucial element of independence for the 9-year-old boy, who has Down syndrome and autism and sometimes experiences difficulty walking.

His mother, Marie Johnson, initially posted online seeking information about the stolen tricycle. The community responded with overwhelming support, launching a GoFundMe campaign that rapidly surpassed its $7,000 goal, raising nearly $8,500. The family plans to use these funds to purchase a new, more secure tricycle.

Marie Johnson has opted not to tell her son about the theft, describing him as a "sweet soul who sees the good in everyone." She fears he would be heartbroken or frustrated by the news. The incident is reminiscent of a 2025 case in England where a disabled girl's custom wheelchair was stolen with her family's car, though both were miraculously returned.