News On 6 Helps Veteran Get Stolen, Impounded Car Back

A 70-year-old veteran in a wheelchair had his car stolen from the parking lot outside his apartment.

The car was recovered, but Steve Seaton couldn't afford to get it back, so News On 6 helped him out.

Seaton and his car, Matilda, have been together for more than 30 years. He loved the car and he was heartbroken when she was stolen, and even more heartbroken when he realized it would cost him $1,300 to get her back.

"Matilda was my heart, you know," he said.

For 30 years, Seaton drove the 1979 Malibu classic until one day in June, when he noticed she was gone.

"It upset me horribly because we'd been together for so long," he said.

He never thought he'd see her again until he got a bill saying Matilda had been recovered and picked up by Allied Towing, but the bill was up to $1,100 and climbing; to Steve, it might as well have been a million.

Lori: "Would you like to have her back?"
Seaton: "Would you like to have your first love back?"

So, I went to work and called Allied.

Lori: "He got a bill for $1,100 and he's living on social security and this car means everything to him. Is there any way we can get that car out without paying the big storage fee?"
Kara: "I am completely happy to take off all the storage fees for you."

When I found that out, I went and told Seaton the good news.

Lori: "I have some good news. I am getting Matilda back and it's not going to cost you a penny. I even got a guy who will tow her here for free and park her in your parking lot. Are you excited? I'm so glad we were able to help."
Seaton: "I am so appreciative."
Lori: "You're welcome."

Allied just sold Matilda to a scrap yard but bought her back and handed her over.

Then, Jack Blakely with Jack's Towing volunteered to haul Matilda home at no charge and bring her back where she belongs, with a few extra features.

Lori: "Here sir, your tag is up-to-date now and here's all your insurance information."
Seaton: "You mean I'm legit?"
Lori: "You're legit. You and Matilda."

She has a broken steering column and a few other issues, but she'll start, and Seaton plans to have her running like her old self in no time.

All that matters to him is that she's home.