Car stolen from valet at VA Medical Center has been recovered

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A car stolen in broad daylight at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center has now been recovered.

On Monday, March 11th, Steve Rickun took his father, a World War II veteran, to the Milwaukee VA Medical Center. He pulled up to the valet to park his car.

"Got out of the car, helped the valet put my father in the wheelchair and we wheeled him in," Rickun said.

"As the veteran was getting into the wheelchair, there was an individual who was watching this entire transaction from inside the east entrance," Tim Jantz, Milwaukee VA Police Chief said.

Police say the man had walked into the hospital earlier. He was seen on surveillance video standing in the lobby and looking around.

As Rickun pulled up, the suspect made his move. He even walked past Rickun's father as he entered in a wheelchair. The suspect jumped into the black Mercedes and drove off.

After more than an hour in the hospital, Rickun and his father were ready to leave, but the car was nowhere to be found.

"When we returned after the doctor's appointment, we were told by the valet that our key was missing," Rickun said.

Rickun is not most upset about the car, but what was inside.

"The biggest aggravation I have is that they took a walker from a 93-year-old man,"  Rickun said.

Police say the car was recovered at 32nd and Vliet in Milwaukee, following tips from individuals who had seen the story on FOX6 News.

The suspect returned to the VA property Monday afternoon, March 18th and was reported to the VAPD by alert valet workers.

The suspect got on a bus, but was stopped by VA police. Charges are expected to be forthcoming.