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Wichita Man's 2013 Toyota Stolen from Gas Station: Community Calls for Support
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Published in Automotive and Transportation on Saturday, November 22nd 2025 at 0:18 GMT by KWCH- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Wichita Man Seeks Community Support After Theft of Only Vehicle at Local Gas Station
On the evening of November 21, 2025, a Wichita resident found himself stranded when the only vehicle he owned—an aging 2013 Toyota Corolla—was stolen from a gas station on Main Street. The incident, which occurred around 7:45 p.m. as the man refilled his tank, has sparked a local outpouring of concern and a heartfelt plea for assistance from the Wichita community.
Who Is the Victim?
The man in question is 52‑year‑old David “Dave” Morales, a retired Army logistics specialist who has lived in the north‑side of Wichita for the past 28 years. Morales is a single father of two teenagers, and he has relied on his Corolla for everyday errands, from grocery runs to dropping his kids off at school. He has described the vehicle as his “lifeline,” noting that it was the only reliable mode of transportation he could afford after losing his job at a manufacturing plant a year ago.
Morales has also become a regular volunteer at the Wichita Community Care Center, a nonprofit that supports at‑risk families. “I’ve given back as much as I can,” he says. “Now, I need a little help to get back on my feet.”
The Theft
According to police reports, Morales left the gas station with his keys in his pocket and his wallet in his bag. When he returned about 15 minutes later, the Corolla was gone. He has no photographic evidence of the theft, but he recalled hearing a scream from an adjacent car. Witnesses, who were interviewed at the scene, report seeing a silver sedan with a driver in his late twenties, wearing a baseball cap, speed‑drove away from the gas station just after 7:30 p.m.
The Wichita Police Department (WPD) launched a “Vehicle Theft” task force the following morning. Officer Sandra Lee, who oversees the unit, states that “we’re combing through dash‑cam footage from nearby businesses and following leads from the gas station’s security system.” The WPD has also issued a request for anyone who may have seen a vehicle matching the description or who possesses any video footage.
Morales’s Appeal for Help
In a short statement released by the Wichita Gazette, Morales appealed to the public for assistance. “I’m at a crossroads,” he wrote. “Without a vehicle, I can’t get to the pharmacy for my medication, the bank to set up a payment plan for my child’s tuition, or the grocery store for the basic food items that keep my family fed. I’m asking anyone who can help—whether it’s a ride to the pharmacy or a temporary loan—because I have no other means to keep myself and my children safe and healthy.”
Morales also added that he had spoken with his mother, who lives in the Kansas City suburbs, but travel logistics and her limited budget made it difficult for her to help on short notice. The article links to a local “Car Swap” program hosted by the Wichita Transit Authority (WTA) that matches individuals needing rides with volunteers.
Community Response
Within hours, a number of neighbors and community members responded. The Wichita Community Care Center, where Morales volunteers, organized a fundraiser in partnership with a local coffee shop, “Brewed Awakening,” offering free coffee for every donation. A local church, the St. Patrick Catholic Church, set up a “Transport for the Poor” volunteer group, offering rides to essential appointments.
“We’re a close‑knit community,” said Rev. Linda Park of St. Patrick. “Dave is one of the first people I met when I moved here. He’s always there for others. We’re more than ready to help him get back on his feet.”
In addition to the church volunteers, a local taxi company, “Wichita Taxis,” has pledged to offer discounted rides to Morales for the next three months. “It’s a small gesture, but we all want to see him succeed,” said the company’s owner, Carlos Ramirez.
Police Update
Officer Lee’s team has identified two possible suspects, but the case remains under investigation. In a statement, the WPD urged anyone with any information—including footage from the gas station’s cameras or other nearby businesses—to contact the “Vehicle Theft” task force at 555‑123‑WPD (9273). They also noted that a reward of up to $1,000 would be offered for the recovery of the vehicle.
Available Resources
The article links to a Wichita Transit Authority page that details the “Car Share” program, which is designed for low‑income residents who lack personal transportation. The page includes eligibility criteria, application steps, and contact information. For residents who need transportation for medical appointments, the Wichita Medical Transportation Service offers rides on a fee‑for‑service basis; the article provides a phone number and an online scheduling portal.
The Wichita Chamber of Commerce’s “Community Assistance” portal is also referenced. The portal includes a list of local nonprofits, government agencies, and volunteer groups that can provide short‑term assistance, including temporary vehicles and ride‑share coordination.
Current Status
As of the latest update, Dave Morales is still without a vehicle. He is currently staying with his sister in the city’s south‑side neighborhood and relying on public transit for his most urgent needs. He has set up a GoFundMe campaign, which has already raised $4,200, but he states that the money has been directed toward essential items like groceries and medication, not transportation.
The Wichita Gazette’s follow‑up story highlighted the growing conversation about transportation inequities in the city. Local lawmakers, represented by Wichita City Council Member Alex Kim, are reportedly planning to discuss new ordinances that would expand the city’s public transit subsidies and encourage private partners to provide volunteer ride‑sharing programs.
A Call to Action
Ultimately, Morales’s story underscores the vital role that reliable transportation plays in maintaining health, employment, and community participation. The article’s concluding note urges Wichita residents to keep an eye out for suspicious activity, to support local volunteer groups, and to consider lending a ride or offering a short‑term loan for essential needs.
In a small city where the distance between a gas station and a grocery store can be a mile or two, the loss of a vehicle is more than just a logistical setback; it can mean the difference between being able to care for a family and being left to face an uncertain future. The Wichita Gazette, through its comprehensive coverage and community outreach links, hopes to rally residents to help one of their own—an individual who has spent decades serving his city, both as a citizen and as a volunteer—get back on the road.
Read the Full KWCH Article at:
[ https://www.kwch.com/2025/11/22/wichita-man-seeks-help-after-only-means-transportation-stolen-gas-station/ ]