Community Corner
Bergen Teen Whose Wheelchair Was Stolen Receives New Motorized One
Michael Peralta, 18, was charged with the theft after he reportedly took it from the Wood Park Condominiums in Leonia.
A Leonia teenager with cerebral palsy whose wheelchair was stolen from outside his apartment complex was gifted a new, powered one Tuesday.
Michael Peralta, 18, was charged last month after police said he stole Courtney Machiri's wheelchair from outside the Wood Park Condominiums and took it for a "joyride," police previously said. Police recovered the wheelchair.
Quantum Rehab of Pennsylvania donated the motorized wheelchair to the 14-year-old Machiri, which is valued at as much as $30,000.
Find out what's happening in Fort Leefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"I was floored," Police Chief Thomas Rowe said at a press conference. "The very next day, the outpouring of love and support, it was tremendous."
Machiri tried the wheelchair out with Leonia police Tuesday, a YouTube video by The Daily Voice showed.
Find out what's happening in Fort Leefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com
Related: Motorized Wheelchair Stolen From 14-Year-Old With Cerebral Palsy Found, Man Arrested: Police
Photo: YouTube video screenshot
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
