Concordia
University freshman Jackson Honer-Hollstien drove his car to campus for
the first time early this morning, a few days later than planned.
“The first people I saw, I yelled ‘I have my car back,’ and they started screaming and dancing,” the 18-year-old said today.
An officer spotted his stolen white 1997 Toyota 4Runner at about 11 p.m. Saturday in St. Johns near
North Seneca Street and Bristol Avenue. He called Honer-Hollstien, who picked it up with help from a new friend.
He’s made a lot of friends during his few days on campus.
Dozens of people have reached out since hearing about the theft of his car filled with the belongings he planned to bring to campus.
The SUV was stolen overnight Wednesday from the Super Value Inn off North Interstate Avenue.
It was eventually found about six miles away.
“The
help from the community and especially Concordia University has kinda
turned the whole thing from a disaster to an inconvenience,” he said.
When
he claimed his car last night, the freshman found a mess. Thieves
jammed a pen in the stereo. Stains covered some seats. They had only
left behind some clothing, files and his bicycle.
His camera, skis and skateboard were gone. But they’re not essential, Honer-Hollstein said.
He’ll
be able to buy the necessities -- namely a calculator and other school
supplies -- with the help he’s received in the last few days, he said.
He starts class Wednesday.
The Oregonian published a story of the theft, and the school posted a Facebook message telling people where to donate.
“It’s
just crazy that people are willing to help me so much,” he said. “If
every single person that had this experience had this exposure, it would
be amazing.”
Officers weren’t able to find a suspect, and the
investigation is likely over, said Sgt. Pete Simpson, a spokesman for
the Portland Police.
“There’s really not more to investigate with it, unfortunately,” Simpson said.
--
Molly Young
http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/08/police_recover_concordia_unive.html
