York Springs, Pa. - An Adams County man's wheelchair-accessible van was stolen Sunday night.

Jason Hartel has cerebral palsy and he's been in a wheelchair his whole life. He likes to leave the house as often as possible, but he says living in York Springs makes it kind of tough to get places without a car.

He relies on a van to go everywhere from the grocery store, to his jobs as a part-time DJ and a volunteer firefighter.

“They don't have to lift me up in the seat and I have independence in my chair,” said Hartel.

Sunday night, he used the van to go to a Hershey Bears game with a friend. They got home about 10:00 p.m., parked it in Hartel’s driveway and went to bed. But when he woke up Monday morning, it was gone.

“I started calling people asking if they borrowed the van,” said Cassandra Stultz, Jason’s partner.

But with all three keys to the van accounted for, they quickly realized the van had been stolen.

“There was no glass outside, so I don’t know how (the suspects) got in,” said Hartel.

What's even more surprising to them is that their other two cars were actually unlocked Sunday night, with the keys inside, but the van was locked.

State police say they’re looking for a 1994 Chrysler Town and Country, burgundy with wood paneling and a large Washington Redskins (web | news) decal on the back window.

The couple just bought it this year and paid $7,000 cash to customize it for Jason. They say they got such a good deal from the company, they don't think their insurance will be able to replace it.

“I like being out, doing different things to help people. If I can't get there with the van, I can't help them,” said Hartel.

Anyone with information should call state police in Gettysburg at (717) 334-8111.

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