Bridgeport Boy Stranded At Home After Thieves Make Off With Wheelchair Ramp

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- A 10-year-old boy has been confined to his family's Bridgeport home since someone stole his wheelchair ramp.

Web Extra: Neighbors Raise Funds To Replace Stolen Wheelchair Ramp

Isaiah McLaughlin is lucky to have something to keep him busy since his independence was taken from him. McLaughlin suffers from a muscle and joint disorder that keeps him from walking or using his arms, CBS 2's Lou Young reported.

He has been stranded since thieves made off with the wheelchair ramp to his home.

"When I came back from the movies, the ramp wasn't there," he said, "It was stolen."

The ramp may have been taken for the weight of the aluminum with which it was made. The theft left single mother and waitress Gloria Ramirez stunned.

"I was shocked that someone had the audacity to steal that," she said.

The ramp is critical to Isaiah's independence because of the sheer size of his motorized wheelchair, which weighs in at 450 pounds. Kelly Mason, a security officer at his school, arranged to have the big chair brought to school so McLaughlin can attend classes by himself, but at home he is a little boy being lifted up and moved around by his mother.

"I can't believe somebody would be so cruel. I just feel bad for him because he looks at me like 'you going to carry me again,'" she said.

Isaiah told CBS 2's Young that he can't do anything for himself without the chair, but he had a message for the thieves.

"Can you just bring it back? Please?" he said.

Neighbors are raising money to build a permanent ramp to the house and to possibly buy a new aluminum ramp for Gloria's minivan.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories