Christmas is almost here, and families are preparing to celebrate the holidays in the midst of a challenging year. Now one Charlotte family is facing a new obstacle after their car was stolen from their driveway with the family's Christmas presents still inside.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police responded to the scene of the Wint's Steel Creek home on Wednesday morning after it was reported their car was stolen in broad daylight.
Homeowner Tony Wint said his car was warming up in the driveway to prepare for the chilly morning drive. He went back inside to get his two young daughters to take them to school, but when he came back outside, his car was nowhere in sight.
"Now I have to scramble to see what I can do for Christmas for my girls and my wife," he said. This year has been difficult for many, so he and his wife wanted to give their girls a nice Christmas.
The family's Ring camera caught some of the action, including what Wint believes is the suspect casing the house prior to stealing the car. Despite the challenge of losing the car, he issued a plea to the person responsible.
"Just drop the gifts off at the door and you can take the car," he said.
The couple started a GoFundMe page to help raise money to pay off the stolen car, which was purchased in August and still being financed, as well as put a down payment on a replacement. They also hope they can repurchase the gifts that they fear are lost forever.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
Photo: Getty Images