Man Steals Custom Harley Charity Prize in Broad Daylight
This custom Harley-Davidson charity raffle prize was stolen, but thankfully, later recovered.
Successful Raffle
The custom Harley was donated by the owner and subsequently parked on the bar's outdoor patio for several weeks as it raised $23,000 for a local family battling Alzheimer's, with the day of the actual raffle set for Memorial Day. However, that's when one of the more bizarre thefts we've ever seen took place, according to CBS News.
Clever Ploy
That very day, a man approached an employee at the bar and convinced him that he had won the raffle, and that worker helped move things out of the way so that the bike could be ridden off. From there, the thief rode the motorcycle right out the front door of the tavern, prompting another worker to call the police when they realized what had happened. It didn't take long for the law to track the pair down, either.
Calling It Off
"The Seabrook Police Department spotted the vehicle - spotted the motorcycle - they activated their lights in an attempt to stop the motorcycle. He took off at a high rate of speed. They chose not to pursue," said Hampton Police Chief Alex Reno.
Ending the Chase
Luckily, the bike ran out of gas in Wrentham, Massachusetts, and the perpetrator was caught as a result. He's facing a number of charges now, and soon, the raffle prize will be delivered to its rightful owner - veteran and firefighter Ian Timmons.
Getting Help
"Initially, you know, I was mad that the guy stole it from a veteran on his anniversary, on Memorial Day, but then I found out he might have a mental illness, so I just want to make sure he gets the right help," Timmons said of the incident.
Justice Is Served
Regardless, the Simmons family received the money that was raised by the raffle, so this story has a happy ending, after all. It's unclear what motivated the thief to try and steal a bike from such a worthy cause, but in this case, at least, it seems like justice will be served.
