PHOENIX — Valley parents are sending a message to potential thieves after they say someone stole medical equipment for their special needs son.
Reida and Rodger Walker are full-time caregivers for their 18-year-old son Ryan.
"Because of his developmental disabilities he needs help dressing, bathing, and feeding," Reida said.
They say Ryan relies heavily on deliveries that come to their door. Including a piece of equipment that monitors his pulse rate and how much oxygen he's getting. Reida says she ordered one online after a part broke on their current one. She says it usually runs about $500, but she was able to find a good deal online.
"Needle in a haystack find," she said.
She says she usually keeps tabs on when important packages are delivered. But a sudden schedule change led to that life-saving equipment being stolen not long after it was delivered. Video from the family's surveillance camera shows a man in a blue shirt walking up to the door, picking up the package and walking away.
They say he appears to drive away in a four-door white Dodge Charger.
"I was upset, I was just outright mad," Rodger Walker said.
The family is now forced to buy another one at a higher price. They say they're sharing their story, hoping others will think twice before taking something that doesn't belong to them.
"You don't know what you're taking," Reida said. "You don't know what it's for. You don't know if it's life-saving equipment or supplies."
