Handicapped Burbank teen's bike replaced by donors after theft

SHERMAN OAKS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A teen with cerebral palsy has a new custom-made bike to replace one that was stolen last month, thanks to the efforts of a local business owner and other community members.

On Jan. 25, someone stole the custom-made hand-and-foot-pedal bike that 13-year-old Damian Jeffries used to get around and "feel like every other kid."

The bike, valued at more than $5,000, had been chained to his wheelchair in the parking garage of a Burbank apartment complex.

After hearing about the theft, David Meyer, owner of Vespa of Sherman Oaks, made it his mission to raise funds and get Damian a new bike.

It didn't take long.

Friday afternoon Damian got to take his brand-new custom bike out for a spin on Ventura Boulevard, along with a Vespa escort.

"That was epic. Awesome. Amazing," an excited Damian said after the ride.

Damian's original bike was actually found on the side of a road in Silver Lake a few days after it was stolen, but it was in damaged condition, so the new bike was still needed.

Allesha Jeffries, Damien's mother was grateful for all the people who donated to help replace the custom bike.

"It kind of took away the bad by doing all the good for him," she said.