Wounded Warriors Project grateful for return of stolen bikes
TINICUM TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- On Wednesday a group of bikes were returned to their rightful owners.
But they aren't just any bikes.
Some have been slightly modified for our bravest men and women - the Wounded Warriors.
"It's a major relief for us in a lot of ways," said Charlie Honea, Wounded Warrior Project.
One of the main ways of the relief is financial. The nine bikes and parts stolen last month are worth almost $40,000.
"To be honest with you, we were thinking, 'Man this is a huge hit for us. A big loss,' " said Honea.
It all started when the Wounded Warrior Project's U-Haul was taken from the Renaissance Hotel by the airport the night before a ride.
After the Tinicum police were notified, they called up the Philadelphia Police Department Major Crimes Unit.
Getting the bikes back became the one of the main focal points of the two departments.
"Being a military veteran myself, the Wounded Warrior Project is very dear to my heart," said Philadelphia Police Capt. Roland Lee.
"What kind of person takes equipment from handicapped warriors? That tells you what kind of people we were dealing with," said Tinicum Police Chief Stephen Edmiston.
It wasn't long after before Action News got an exclusive call that a raid was happening on Aug. 24.
The Philadelphia Major Crimes Unit recovered four of the nine bikes in Northeast Philadelphia.
That's where 48-year-old Roy Bowman was arrested.
Sure enough, just a few days later, the Warrior's U-Haul was found on Woodhaven Road.
Just a few days after that, the remaining five bikes and parts were found, too.
"We'd like to present you with a miniature jersey. Its a replica of the jersey that the Warriors wear," said Honea.
On Wednesday, the Wounded Warrior Project thanked the two departments with a plaque.
"You guys have supported us in a way we could never imagine," said Honea.
But Capt. Lee says getting the bikes back is nothing compared the what Wounded Warriors have done for us.
"You have people that have been hurt, injured in combat," said Capt. Lee. "You know for someone to take this from them, I can't even describe the words how I feel about it."
