Plano Police are offering a $5000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction, as they're seeking the public's help in identifying a woman suspected in the theft of $2700 worth of items stolen from a family attending a fundraiser for their 6-year-old daughter who suffers from various ailments. Police released surveillance video of a woman caught at a QuikTrip at 1100 East Spring Creek Parkway in Plano. Police say the woman in the video used a credit card that was reported stolen from the family on Sunday. The family's stolen credit cards were also used at a nearby Whataburger in Plano, as well as places in Dallas, according to police.
Family and friends of Angie and Paul Akeman of Richardson were holding a barbecue and auction fundraiser on Sunday to help with the medical costs for their daughter, Avery, who suffers from an immune deficiency. The 6-year-old was born prematurely and has had 22 surgeries and spent 490 days in the hospital.
The Akeman's car was parked at Fairview Farms in the 3300 block of Central Expressway, for the fundraiser. Burglars broke into the car and took a 6-year-old Avery Akeman's iPad2, a laptop projector, a laptop, and a purse. Avery uses her treasured iPad for home-schooling because of her medical conditions.
Police say the woman in the video was wearing a dark brown hooded warm-up suit with light tan piping. She was accompanied by a man. They were last seen driving a late model silver or gray vehicle, possibly a Nissan Altima. A reward is being offered, and anyone with information is asked to call the Plano Police Department Tip Line at 972-941-2148, or the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 877-373-8477.
The bright side of the story is that a man from Plano, who wants to remain anonymous, came forward on Wednesday and donated each of the items that were stolen, including a brand new, pink covered iPad2.
Angie Akeman says her family is thankful to get the new computer and electronics replaced. She added, "I can't tell you hope humbling and how grateful we are it so amazing. As for the thieves, I would forgive them, but I feel sad for them. I hope that they do get caught, because I don't want this to happen to other families."
The family suffers through paying more than $3000 a month in monthly medical bills. To help the family or learn more about Avery and her story, visit the family's website at averyakemansangels.com.
