Disabled veteran’s two handcycles stolen from Renton parking garage

Published 1:13 pm Thursday, November 29, 2012

Someone has stolen the competitive handcycles belonging to racer Ernie Butler of Renton, executive director of the Northwest Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Butler discovered the two handcycles missing on Nov. 7 from the secured parking garage of his north Renton apartment, according to the Renton Police Department.

One of his handcycles is a bright red racing handcycle, a Top End “Force R.” The second handcycle is a silver Freedom Ryder “lean steer” tricycle with a rear axle that twists from side to side so the rider can maneuver.

Once an Air Force pararescue specialist, Butler was a competitive skydiver until a 1995 mid-air accident left him paralyzed below the waist, according to Renton Police.

He has used the racing handcycle to complete the 205-mile Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic five times and has also cycled in the 150-mile Washington Bike MS Benefit Ride six times.

Anyone with information about the stolen handcycles is asked to call the Renton Police Department at 425-430-7529 and refer to case 12-12142.