Family outraged after tricycle stolen from man with Down syndrome

A tricycle that belongs to an Andover man who has Down Syndrome was stolen in Lawrence on Friday.

Jeffrey Croteau, 37, rides his beloved blue adult tricycle with his father every Sunday.

But on Friday morning, it was snatched from his father's truck outside the welding shop where he works on State Street in Lawrence, Jeff's mother, Pat Croteau, told FOX25.

"I was upset," she said. "I was really mad that somebody would take his bike, because that's all he has. He loves it."

>> Read more trending stories

Jeff doesn't yet know the trike is gone, she said, and she hopes it will be returned before he asks to go for a ride.

Croteau and her family members posted on Facebook, outraged about the theft but heartened by the response from the community.

Many have offered to buy Jeff a new tricycle or donate money.

"Everybody wants to help," said Jeff's aunt, Janice Furey. "We're just in awe of everybody. They just care. People have a heart."

Local police departments shared the family's social media posts, urging the public to come forward with information.

About the Author