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Car stolen from son of World War II vet at VA Medical Center
Car stolen from son of World War II vet at VA Medical Center
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- He pulled up to a valet at the Veterans Hospital in Milwaukee on Monday, March 11th -- and within seconds, his car was stolen. Now, police are looking for the suspect.
Steve Rickun took his father, a World War II veteran, to the Milwaukee VA Medical Center. He pulled up to the valet to park his car.
"Got out of the car, helped the valet put my father in the wheelchair and we wheeled him in," said Rickun.
"As the veteran was getting into the wheelchair, there was an individual who was watching this entire transaction from inside the east entrance," said Tim Jantz, Milwaukee VA Police Chief.
Police say the man had walked into the hospital earlier. He was seen on surveillance video standing in the lobby and looking around.
As Rickun pulled up, the suspect made his move. He even walked past Rickun's father as he entered in a wheelchair. The suspect jumped into the black Mercedes and drove off.
After more than an hour in the hospital, Rickun and his father were ready to leave, but the car was nowhere to be found.
"When we returned after the doctor's appointment, we were told by the valet that our key was missing," said Rickun.
Rickun is not most upset about the car, but what was inside.
"The biggest aggravation I have is that they took a walker from a 93-year-old man," said Rickun.
The valet is contracted by the VA. Workers are being reminded of protocol, not to leave vehicles unattended with keys inside.
If you have any information about the crime, you're urged to call the Milwaukee VA Police at 414-384-2000.