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BOUNTIFUL -- A couple of thieves stole money meant for a Woods Cross girl who was paralyzed in an accident last year. The two men swiped a donation jar from a Bountiful restaurant in plain sight Jan. 23.
Police are eager to catch whoever would commit such a brazen and thoughtless crime, and released surveillance video Monday.
"I couldn't believe somebody would steal a donation jar," said Al Wagstaff, who was trying to raise money for some of his daughter's special needs.
Last September, 11-year-old Marlee Wagstaff was playing with one of her sisters when she fell out of tree and broke her back in three places. She's paralyzed from the chest down and will not walk again.
Marlee is a triplet, so she gets a lot of love from her sisters. She is bright and happy, and even jokes about her tough physical therapy.
After two months of hospitalization and ongoing physical therapy, the family was trying to raise money for a wheelchair of her own and a companion dog.
Generous customers at the Dee's Family Restaurant in Bountiful filled the donation jar with roughly $60 each week it was there. Marlee's father thinks that's how much was in the jar when a pair of thieves took it.
"You can see the guy's face pretty well," Wagstaff says of the surveillance video.
The video shows the men sit down and eat. Forty-five minutes later, one of the men returns to the counter, puts a coat over the jar, takes it, and leaves.
"It's totally unbelievable that somebody would go in a steal a donation jar," Wagstaff said.
Less than two minutes later, the man's friend shows up, pays for their meal and leaves.
The Wagstaffs appreciate the great kindness and generosity in their community in recent months. This theft comes as a shocking loss, and they hope someone will recognize the thieves.
"It's totally dishonest, for one thing," Wagstaff said. "You just don't steal."
If you recognize either of the men pictured in the surveillance video, call the Bountiful Police Department at 801-298-6151.
If you'd like to make a financial contribution to help Marlee, there's an account* set up at Wells Fargo under the name "Marlee Wagstaff."
E-mail: jboal@ksl.com
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ksl.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does ksl.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
