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Help for Family with Car and Wheelchair Stolen During Church

By Michael George

MILWAUKEE - On Monday, TODAYS TMJ4 brought you a story about Pat Latiker and her son Ashton. Their car and Ashton's wheelchair were taken while they were in church. Since the story aired, friends and strangers have been lining up to help.

Pat Latiker knows people are good at heart. In the last two days, she's seen the best and worst of people.
 
"I've always known there's good and bad, but I just didn't know how quick people would act on their giving and their concern," Latiker said.
 
On Sunday, while Pat was sitting in church, someone grabbed her car keys from her coat and stole her car. Inside the car was her son Ashton's wheelchair. Ashton has cerebral palsy.
 
Now, the phone has been ringing off the hook with people wanting to help Ashton and Pat.
 
"The Lord said, "Call Pat, and let her know she don't have nothing to worry about." The church would buy Ashton another wheelchair, no problems whatsoever," said Pastor Jerry Reaves of Milwaukee Pentecostal Outreach Ministry, where the theft happened.
 
Pat's co-workers and boss have also given her their support. But it isn't just friends helping out. Strangers like James Surprise, owner of Discount Mobility Products, spent Tuesday showing Pat new wheelchairs. He has offered to help with the cost.
 
"I always find it a privilege to be able to help somebody in need," Surprise said.
 
TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Michael George met Ashton at school on Tuesday, and hearing that so many people want to help him put a smile on his face.
 
"You have a very positive attitude, Ashton, I can tell," George said.
 
"Yes. Yes, I do," Ashton Latiker responded.
 
"Here's a young man that can't walk by himself, can't really talk that well, but yet, he gives praises to God and is as positive as anyone I've ever known," Pat Latiker said.
 
Police are still looking for Pat's car. It's a 1997 gray Toyota Camry with the license plate 725-NVP. Anyone with information about the theft should contact Milwaukee police.

 

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