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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Back In The Saddle After Disabled Man’s Scooter Stolen, He’s Deluged With Telephone Calls Offering Replacements, Loaners

Angelo Kiourkas’ telephone rang all day Monday, with people offering him help and four electric scooters.

The 71-year-old man’s scooter was stolen from in front of his home Sunday night, in the 1400 block of West Jackson, while he ate dinner at The Shed.

Kiourkas, mostly paralyzed from the waist down, was still in shock Monday from his loss.

“I take my scooter everywhere I go,” he said. “I practically live in it. That was the biggest part of my life.”

His wife, Shirley fielded at least 30 calls Monday from people wanting to help find the scooter.

Four people offered their old scooters, and one company offered to loan a scooter until a new one is found. Nobody had spotted the stolen vehicle.

The couple wasn’t sure which offer to take.

“Just give everyone my heartfelt thanks,” Shirley Kiourkas said. “It’s fantastic.”

On Monday morning, Angelo Kiourkas hobbled on crutches out to his car, which he drove to Casey’s Restaurant. He goes to the restaurant almost every day.

Kiourkas said he wants his old scooter returned. His son had fitted it with a headlight for night driving, and his gloves and catheter system were stored in the back.

Angelo Kiourkas feels nothing in his right leg, and only pain when he puts any weight on his left leg. A factory accident disabled him about 35 years ago.

He rode the scooter to restaurants, grocery stores and the doctor’s office in warmer weather. In cold months, he parked the scooter and drove his car to appointments.

Angelo Kiourkas had parked the scooter in the same spot in front of his home for about seven years.

“I honestly still can’t believe it,” he said. “It feels like I woke up from a bad dream. How bad can you get? How low can you go? Taking a scooter from a guy who can’t even walk.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo