Seniors find support
Two e-trikes stolen from the La Conner Retirement Inn earlier this month remain missing, but outrage over the theft is everywhere.
The cycles belonged to residents Brad Bradford, 90, and David Alvord Sr., 89, members of a senior cycling group that regularly loops through town.
“Everyone has asked about it and are upset about it,” said La Conner Fire Chief and Code Enforcement Officer Aaron Reinstra.
Social media lit up after the theft, with commenters calling it “horrible,” “terrible,” and “awful.” One wrote, “Hopefully the culprits got three flat tires each!” Another added, “I cannot believe anyone would be that low.” Others suggested starting a Go Fund Me, with one commenter writing, “I will happily help fund replacement.”
Photo by Nancy K. Crowell/La Conner Community News
Community support has been overwhelming, Bradford said. A retired teacher, he secured insurance compensation after his carrier admitted it “didn’t do him right.”
“I told them that I felt the bike was covered,” Bradford said. “The insurance representative said: ‘No, it isn’t, but we didn’t do you right. We need to do something.’”
Alvord replaced his stolen e-trike with a near-identical cycle purchased from another retirement inn resident. The former town council member and retired Dunlap Towing skipper proudly rode it to last Sunday’s outdoor concert at Gilkey Square.
Skagit County Sheriff’s Sgt. Brad Holmes said deputies launched a thorough probe, inspecting the garage, checking nearby Ring security cameras, and patrolling neighborhoods for signs of the missing cycles. Law enforcement even extended the search to pawn shops from King to Whatcom counties — without results.
As of Aug. 25, the case remains unsolved. Still, public sentiment is unanimous: the community wants these thieves caught.
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter who covers Town government, schools, and spot news.
