"Just give it back, no questions asked:" Handicapped man in search of stolen wheelchair

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A man is left helpless after thieves stole his van. But what's worse was what was inside his van -- his motorized wheelchair.

Lorenzo Mena has lived on S. 14th St. for years, and every night he parks his van out front.  Last Sunday was no different, until he woke up and it was gone, as was his wheelchair.

"I think it`s really sad that a thief would go and steal a man`s vehicle that needs it. It is very heartbreaking," said Mary Jo Raszeja, a friend of Mena's.

The van was located three days later -- three miles from his home on S. 24th St.  Mena picked it up on Sunday at Milwaukee's impound lot.  The van suffered a broken headlight and scratches up and down the passenger side.  Unfortunately, the motorized wheelchair was not inside.

Mena needs a wheelchair because he lost a leg. He now feels stranded at home.

"Just kind of sad because I can`t get around right now. I cannot get around without it," said Mena.

His friends hope the thief will do the right thing.

"Just give it back, no questions asked," said Raszeja.

Mena's daughter bought him the motorized wheelchair years ago.  He doesn't know the exact value but says they cost several thousand dollars.

If you have any information regarding this, you are asked to call the Milwaukee Police Department.