Stolen Car Man Intended to Hand Down to Son Has Been Returned

Thieves stole a Pontiac Firebird a man was storing at a friend's house in West Des Moines, a car the man bought as a teen with his father and planned to pass on to his son.

But, after press coverage of the theft this week, the car was found abandoned on a street, KCCI.com reports.

West Des Moines police said thieves broke into a home and stole thousands of dollars worth of valuables, including Mike Augsburger's Firebird. "Once we adopted Elijah, I thought, ‘You know, that's something I'd like to pass down to him someday and see him enjoy the car, as well.’"

Augsburger put his 1984 Pontiac Firebird in a friend's garage for the winter. That friend's house was burglarized a few days ago while the residents were out of state.

"I would love to have it back in good condition, and have my son be able to enjoy it," Augsburger told the TV station several days ago.

Augsburger said he's very happy to have the car back, and it's still in good condition.

"When I got the call I was really surprised. I figured maybe it was gone,” he told the TV station. “It was very relieving to have some finality to it and know that it was OK. I'm just really happy to have the car back and enjoy it with my son."