NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Despite being damaged, Jim Bennett is happy to be back in his seat. Worksman PAV-3 Electric Tricycle after it was stolen near his home in the Freemason Harbor neighborhood a week ago.
The 82-year-old Vietnam veteran has a neurological condition that has weakened his lower body, making the tricycle vital to his well-being.
“They turned the handlebars around, because everything here was turned around,” Bennett said. “They busted the headlight — busted the headlights. They cut the cable for this assembly here, which is the … shifter cable, and the left rear fender damage. And there’s a bad flat left rear tire on it. So I have to replace the tire or the fender, replace the shifter, replace the assembly, replace the headlight.”
News of the find came early Friday morning via a call from a Norfolk police detective. Police said that after receiving an anonymous tip about the trike’s whereabouts, it was found and returned to Bennett. Police said no arrests have been made at this time.
Norfolk man needs help getting his custom tricycle back
“He said they got an anonymous call, that someone had the bike and wanted to return it,” Bennett said. “And they said he was sure because they had advertised it on TV, and they just felt like they couldn’t use it without being seen. And it’s a very unique bike, probably one or two, maybe only in the whole city like this. So it seems like whoever it was maybe had a guilty conscience.”
Bennett believes the damage can be repaired. He paid $3,100 for the trike and estimates repairs will cost $500.
“I’m just looking forward to getting out there,” Bennett said. “I have a dog, a big dog that I have to walk, and he can come with me. So it’s two things: one, it gives me a little bit of mobility because I have trouble walking, and I’m going to fall and break my hip, but most of all, I’m happy and really pleased with WAVY 10 for taking the time and effort to get this out there.”
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