Moline man seeks stolen bike he planned to donate to charity

Leon Lagerstam
Sun March 17 2013
Posted Mar 17, 2013
6,347

An emerald-green customized bicycle destined for an American Cancer Society fundraising auction was stolen from the Moline owner's home a week ago, and he wants it back.

Kraig "Strawberry" Sanders, 54, of Moline, is distributing fliers asking "Have You Seen This Bike?" and asking people with information to call the Moline Police Department's Criminal Investigations division at 309-524-2140 or 309-797-0401 and give the reference number 2013-002096.

more bike photos

Mr. Sanders said the bike's frame is a rare 1969 20-inch Murray Eliminator, with hand-etched mirrors, a three-dimensional painted chain guard and propane bottles that allow it to shoot three-foot flames.

"Whoever stole it can't sell it, looking the way it is," he said. "It probably just became someone's trophy, I suspect."

The bike was stolen from a three-season room in Mr. Sanders' house in the 5300 block of 4th Ave., Moline. Police are investigating, he said.

"I just want it back," Mr. Sanders said. "I won't press charges. Just bring it back. Drop it off at the police department if you want."

His email address is sandersstrawberry@yahoo.com, and his phone number is 309-292-5669, according to his Kript Kicker Kustoms business card.

Mr. Sanders planned to auction the bike Aug. 17 at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds and give the proceeds to the American Cancer Society. He said he plans to donate some of his long strawberry-blond hair, too.

Mr. Sanders was diagnosed with throat cancer in May 2006, and underwent targeted chemotherapy. He was declared cancer free on Halloween of that year, dates he has tattooed on one of his wrists.

His battle with cancer is why the American Cancer Society is such an important cause, he said."To take something that is meant for charity is the lowest of lows."

When asked about the bike's value, Mr. Sanders said "it's priceless in terms of thinking it was for the American Cancer Society."