Two vehicles stolen from the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer two weeks ago have been found, but are heavily damaged.
The 2018 Jeep Wrangler and 2018 Ford Explorer Sport were located by Chattanooga Police near Rossville Boulevard on Tuesday.
The vehicles, which were modified extensively as part of the foundation’s STEM-based therapy and recovery program, were stripped of all valuables, totaled, and hidden in a wooded area. It is not clear at this time how long they were hidden.
Chattanooga Police have made one arrest in the case. Police know at least two others were involved in the theft, but authorities have not yet located these individuals.
Officials said, "Thanks to the generous donation from the Mauzy family of Midland, Texas, the foundation received the funds necessary to begin another automotive build, the 2020 Gladiator Rubicon IASO. This project will replace the Jeep and Ford that were scheduled to be consigned to be auctioned at the Leake Auto Auction on Jan. 18, 2020 at 1 p.m. in Scottsdale, Az. Work on the project begins this week, with pediatric cancer patients and their families stepping up to help complete the vehicle in time for the auction."