In March, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) celebrated a major milestone. It purchased 45 all-terrain, electric-powered wheelchairs so that everyone could get out and enjoy the outdoors. It was a huge step toward adaptive access to Indiana’s public lands and a major investment. Each chair is valued at nearly $20,000.
On April 30, less than a month after the program launched, thieves broke into storage and stole two of these all-terrain wheelchairs. Indiana police are investigating the crime. They are currently seeking any leads that could help identify the perpetrators.
GearJunkie reached out to Indiana DNR for comment, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
AXIS Model 30 Track Wheelchairs Stolen: What Happened
On May 14, the Indiana DNR announced that a break-in occurred at Fort Harrison State Park. The 1,700-acre park is located approximately 13 miles from Indianapolis. According to the press release, on April 30, thieves broke into six DNR buildings at the park. They stole two AXIS Model 30 track chairs, which retail for at least $19,400 each, and two Vietnam War-era helmets.
Indiana Conservation Officers are encouraging anyone with information to come forward. They are offering a $5,500 reward — $5,000 of which was donated by a private individual. Tips can be directed to the Indiana Conservation Officers (ICO) Dispatch Center at 812-837-9536 or emailed to [email protected].
The Context
In March, the Indiana DNR celebrated the acquisition of 45 AXIS Model 30 track chairs. These electric-powered devices are specially designed for outdoor conditions and help people with mobility issues or disabilities safely access trails and areas that typical wheelchairs cannot traverse. The department received $1 million in funding from the Lily Endowment, a community-focused nonprofit, to purchase the devices, which visitors could use for free.
With 3.4 horsepower and built-in vibration dampers, the Axis 30 can handle outdoor terrain and rugged trails. Its rechargeable battery has a 7-mile range and a top speed of 5 mph.
The acquisition made Indiana State Parks a national leader in accessibility, with the most track chairs of any state park system in the country.
“DNR works daily to ensure Indiana’s public lands are accessible to all,” DNR director Alan Morrison said in a press release. “Whether it’s traversing a trail, viewing wildlife, enjoying the beach, fishing, hunting, or other outdoor pursuits, our DNR properties are open and welcome to Hoosiers of all interests and abilities.”
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