Life Line Taken: Bronx Man Stranded After $5,000 Motorized Wheelchair Stolen From Grand Concourse Building

GRAND CONCOURSE, NY — A 59-year-old Bronx resident is pleading for the return of his "lifeline" after a thief was caught on camera stealing a specialized motorized wheelchair worth 5,000 dollars. The incident occurred in the early hours of April 21, 2026, in the lobby of a building at 888 Grand Concourse, leaving the victim, Steven, effectively stranded and in physical distress.

Steven, who relies on the device due to a pending hip replacement and a colostomy bag resulting from an intestinal rupture, says the theft has stripped him of his independence and his ability to manage his health.

"Devastated that somebody could stoop that low," Steven said. "Think about if it was your brother, your sister, your mother or your father and how would they feel if their lifeline was taken from them."

A Crucial Piece of Equipment

The stolen wheelchair was not a standard model; it featured a specialized upright extension mechanism. According to Steven, this feature is essential for his physical comfort and medical needs. Without the chair, simple daily necessities have become insurmountable obstacles.

Steven noted that he can no longer go to the park for fresh air, visit the store for groceries, or pick up vital prescriptions that are not within walking distance. He is currently forced to walk to the bus for medical appointments, a task that causes significant pain.

The Theft and Accessibility Barriers

Surveillance footage released by the NYPD shows the suspect entering the lobby around 2:11 a.m., pulling the wheelchair from under a stairwell, and casually riding it out of the building. Detectives are currently canvassing the area for additional video and witnesses.

The theft has also highlighted severe accessibility issues at the building. Steven’s living situation includes:

• Elevator Limitations: One elevator is currently blocked by stairs.

• Complex Routes: The only accessible elevator does not reach Steven's floor directly. To get home, he must take it to the basement and transfer to a second elevator.

• Evening Restrictions: The basement level becomes inaccessible after 8:00 p.m., meaning if Steven returns home late, he must leave his mobility aids in the lobby and attempt to climb the stairs with a cane.

Ongoing Investigation

Steven, who lives on a fixed income through Social Security, says that replacing the high-tech chair is financially impossible. He is urging the community to help identify the individual in the video so he can regain his mobility.

The NYPD is asking anyone with information or doorbell camera footage from the vicinity of Grand Concourse and East 161st Street to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. Tips can be submitted anonymously.

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