Scooter stolen from Brockville man with pulmonary fibrosis

A Brockville man with pulmonary fibrosis says he’s afraid he could have a heart attack or pass out if his missing scooter isn’t returned.

Errin Stethem has had the lung disease for four years which causes shortness of breath, coughing and fatigue. His condition also requires him to wear an oxygen tank 24 hours a day.

“I was shocked, depressed, upset all at the same time. Like who would go steal somebody’s mobility scooter?” said Stethem.

The theft occurred in the parking garage of his apartment on Central Avenue East sometime overnight last Friday into Saturday morning. The single dad reported the theft to Brockville Police. It’s now under investigation.

“Officers are still speaking with possible suspects, people in the building and trying to obtain video surveillance so they can go through it and have a look at it,” said acting Staff Sgt. Tom Fournier with Brockville Police.

Stethem got the scooter back in January. The 41-year-old is on a fixed income and can’t afford to buy a new one, which costs $3,000 to $5,000. So now he’s walking. But even walking down a hallway causes him to lose his breath.  It took him an hour and half to walk his son to school which is a kilometre away.

“I had to stop probably 50 times to catch my breath and I have two tanks, I went through two tanks, one there and one back.”

Stethem shared his story with CKWS News in hopes that someone will recognize his missing scooter.  He’s also looking into starting a go fund me page to help him purchase a new set of wheels.