Ever since Marquavious Barnes was 8 years old, he had his three-wheeled, specialized bike to help him get around.
The 22-year-old still used the bike to get to class as a Georgia Tech Excel student, since he has mobility issues stemming from a traumatic brain injury he suffered when he was hit by a car at 6 years old, Channel 2 Action News reported. That changed Sunday evening.
Someone stole his bike, which was locked up near the North Avenue MARTA station, and police haven’t been able to track down in the thief, Channel 2 reported.
“I was mad,” he told the news station. “I couldn’t even say much.”
A @GeorgiaTech student with disabilities had his bike stolen. He’s 22... and got this special bike when he was 8 after suffering a traumatic brain injury. But boy did the community come together in a big way to help him. Story at 11 on the @wsbtv #nightbeat pic.twitter.com/zszpwZDacm
— Christian Jennings (@CJenningsWSB) September 20, 2019
However, that frustration turned to joy thanks to an anonymous donor and Barnes’ community.
Georgia Tech police said a brand new bike was delivered to the police department as a gift for Barnes. Police told the news station officers will give the bike to its new owner Friday.
“It made me want to shout and scream with joy,” Barnes said.
That isn’t it though. A GoFundMe page and people on NextDoor raised more than $3,000 for the student, Channel 2 reported. The GoFundMe is no longer accepting donations.
The community came together in a BIG way after a Georgia Tech student’s bike was stolen! He got this special bike when he was 8 after suffering a traumatic brain injury. He has mobility issues so he depended on his bike to get around! Now he’s getting a new one! Story at 11 pic.twitter.com/UohNBIPTuV
— Christian Jennings (@CJenningsWSB) September 20, 2019
After Barnes receives his new ride, officers plan to go shopping with him for bike accessories, including a GPS tracker, Channel 2 reported.
Police are still searching for whoever stole Barnes old bike, and anyone with information is asked to call police at 404-894-2500.
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