Author: WJACTV Johnstown
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Original Air Date: 3/28/14 By: Maria Miller UPPER YODER TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- It's a story 6 News reported Thursday: Tools and ATVs were stolen from the sheds of at least six Johnstown families over the weekend, including a special dirt bike for a young boy with a rare disability. The story created lots of attention and support from complete strangers wanting to help, but the good news now is that the bike has been found. Within minutes of the story airing Thursday night, 6 News' phones, email and Facebook page were flooded with messages of people wanting to help. Then around 10 a.m. Friday, 6 News reporter Maria Miller got a call almost too hard to believe. I was just riding up the road coming from my mom's house after I left here at 7 to take my son to school and I seen this bike sitting here, said Bob Kuzminsky. I didn't notice the training wheels until I backed into the and then I called ya'll. After nearly a week after it was stolen, the bike turned up in front of Kuzminsky's home on Swank Street. That's just down the hill from Frank Weavers home, where it was stolen. It's horrible, I mean, to steal off a handicapped child, or any child, Kuzminsky said. I think it's young kids and they're scared cause it was on the news and they're spooked. 6 News called police and within minutes, officers from Upper Yoder Township and Johnstown showed up and got the bike running. The Upper Yoder Township road crew then took it to its garage to put the special training wheels back on and clean it up just in time for a very special surprise when 11-year-old Frank came home from school Friday afternoon. He was all smiles and did a fist pump when he saw his bike sitting in his front yard and police officers, his idols, standing nearby. They did a really good job, Weaver said. The smile on his face, priceless. It's very heartwarming, Upper Yoder Township Police Chief Walter Howell said. I think it's because of the news coverage. It's a hot item and they wanted to get rid of it. And while that may be the case, Frank's mom said she's just thankful whoever took the bike gave it back. When I see him on that bike, no one can tell he has a disability, said Lynne Faint. He's normal and just like any other kid just enjoying being a kid and that's such a blessing. And as for Frank, he only took a few minutes to thank everyone who helped, giving handshakes and hugs, before he jumped back on his bike and rode off like a kid without a worry in the world. It's just how I left it, Frank said. [I feel] happy inside because I really missed this dirt bike. On Thursday, Frank had told 6 News if he ever met the people who stole his bike he just wanted to ask why. On Friday he said, I just want to say to them thank you for letting me having my dirt bike back. It's my dream come true riding this thing with my friends. However it came back, we just really appreciate being able to have it, Faint said. But just if anyone takes anything again, just realize the impact that could happen. Faint said she's so thankful to the dozens of complete strangers who originally reached out wanting to get Frank a new bike. It's something he could probably still use as he continues to grow, and for that, the community has already stepped in, creating a fund to raise money to buy him a new bike. Anyone wishing to help can visit any First National Bank branch and donate toward Franks Cause. In the meantime, Frank's bike being returned is not the end of the case. Police are still searching for the people responsible for taking the bike as well as the several tools and ATVs stolen from other families in the neighborhood. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call police in Upper Yoder Township.