Handcycles Belonging to Paralyzed Renton Veteran Recovered

Two handcycles stolen from paralyzed Renton veteran Ernie Butler have been found, thanks to the assistance of concerned citizens, Renton police reported Saturday.

A citizen brought a silver Freedom Ryder handcycle to the Renton Police Department on Friday morning, reporting to detectives that he had overheard a group of teens talking about riding a handcycle. When he heard them make reference to the handcycle being part of one of the television reports about this case, he questioned them about their involvement.

The following morning, he found the handcycle abandoned in the yard, and drove to Renton. Then another citizen brought a red Force R handcycle to the Tukwila Police Department, telling them that he had found it behind a Tukwila business and had decided to turn it in after seeing media coverage about the theft.

Renton detectives have confirmed that these two handcycles are the ones stolen from Butler earlier in November. Renton Police would like to thank all of the media outlets who helped get this story distributed, and to all of those in the public who took this story to heart.

If you have any further information about this case, please contact Detective Onishi at 425-430-7529.