SAN ANTONIO – Thieves broke into the truck of a wounded warrior overnight Friday, taking a unique iPod that helps the nine-year Army veteran control a prosthetic hand which he received after suffering a major injury in Afghanistan.
The retired staff sergeant said the mailman delivered the bad news with a knock on the door Friday morning.
"They smashed my driver's window open and they tried to rip out my touch screen navigation," said the soldier. "When I looked again, my iPod was gone."
It wasn't just any iPod filled with games and music. The iPod was synced with the soldier's prosthetic right hand, allowing him to make modifications on the fly.
"I can't use my hand with that iPod any more because it's gone," he said. "Now I have to go through the whole process of getting a new hand."
"I'm livid," said his wife. "I just feel very let down. My husband did this without questioning who he was fighting for but that person didn't care."
Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest of any suspects.
Anonymous calls can be made to 210-224-STOP (7867). Tips can also be texted to CRIMES (274637) by texting "Tip 127 plus your tip."