Thief takes mobility scooter relied on by Boise man with MS

Jon Trydahl had just started work at a new job in Boise Tuesday when someone took the red mobility scooter he calls a "huge part of my independence."

Trydahl, who has multiple sclerosis, lives on Patton Avenue near Mitchell and McMillan, about three miles from his work near the corner of Five Mile Road and Fairview Avenue, he said Wednesday. He declined to pinpoint the location of the theft because it would identify the business where he works.

Boise police confirmed they are investigating the theft of the red Pride GoGo scooter. Trydahl said was taken some time between 8:30 a.m., when he arrived at work Tuesday, and 10:30 a.m., when he took a break.

On police advice, Trydahl is perusing Craigs List scooter posts and using social media to get the word out.

"I need it to get my prescriptions, to run errands and to go to work," he said. "Without it I have a 3-mile walk one way. This is too much for me."

For now, Trydahl said, a friend has volunteered to drive him to and from work. He said the scooter, which was given to him about two months ago by the Utah-Idaho Multiple Sclerosis Society, is worth about $1,000.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call Boise police at 377-6790.

This story was originally published September 7, 2016 at 7:37 PM with the headline "Thief takes mobility scooter relied on by Boise man with MS."