MIAMI (WSVN) - Police have recovered a Miami business owner’s stolen van just days after 7News covered the exclusive story.
Police recovered the stolen work van of Corey McNear at Molina’s Towing, Friday, near Northwest Seventh Avenue and Northwest 20th Street.
Corey, relieved to have his van back, was able to drive it home right after, even though it had some damage.
7News covered Corey’s story on Thursday. He had just started a home remodeling business when someone hot-wired and stole his work van from outside his home.
According to police, the thief was caught on surveillance video, Tuesday, hot-wiring the van and then riding off.
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The loss devastated the father of five, but hours after his story aired, he received a call from police. They had found his van abandoned about 15 blocks from their home and taken it to the tow yard.
“They just called us early this morning, around 7:30, told us that they recovered the truck,” said Corey’s wife, Aurianna McNear.
All the tools inside the truck were gone, and Corey doesn’t have insurance on them. The van was holding everything McNear needs for a business he had just recently started.
“It’s devastating. You know, we work hard, try to do the right thing, and then people just come and just destroy your life in a second,” said Aurianna. “If you don’t want to work, that’s on you. But don’t come destroying other people’s lives.”
7News viewer Janice Farout, a Miami Beach resident, was touched by the McNears family’s story. Her husband Joseph Webber, a retired Miami Beach Police officer, died last May and left behind a garage full of tools.
Farout decided to give all the tools to the McNears.
“Probably, I’m doing what he would figure I would do,” Farout said, “You know, find a home for his things.”
Farout comes from a family of seven children, and while she never had children of her own, she felt she needed to do something when she saw Corey and Aurianna’s baby on the news.
“This is a blessing that, people like that, there’s still people like that,” Corey said, tears coming to his eyes. “Just thank you, y’all guys are wonderful. Without y’all, I don’t think none of this would be possible without y’all and the grace of God. God bless, man.”
Farout was able to give the McNears more than just power tools. She gave them hope.
“These are tears of happiness and joy,” Corey said.
Police are still searching for whoever stole the van.
If you have any information on who took this family’s van, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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