Tulsa Mechanic Donates Services To Quadriplegic Whose Van Was Vandalized

He's only been in business for six months, but Randall Wong knew he had to find a way to fix Marty's van for free.

Thursday, December 26th 2013, 5:58 pm

By: News On 6

Tulsa Mechanic Donates Services To Quadriplegic Whose Van Was Vandalized

A quadriplegic Tulsa man had his van stolen twice in two weeks, but his luck turned after a Green County mechanic was inspired to help a stranger.

We first introduced you to Marty Snodgrass in September, after his specialized handicapped-accessible van was stolen twice in two weeks.

His van was found a few days later, but it was trashed.

"Chances are, these people who did this don't really care what I have to say," victim Marty Snodgrass said. "If they can steal from somebody with a disability, then they don't have any respect for themselves."

The sliding door broken, and what was left of the handicap ramp didn't work.

"Now all the ramp has to do is be lifted up and put in," Comprehensive Auto Repair owner Randall Wong said. "Before, it couldn't go the other direction -- in or out."

When Wong saw our story it hit close to home.

"My father was handicapped and I know how important it was to him to have a vehicle," Wong said. "And I know that Marty's vehicle is very special and very important to him and that really made me want to take care of it for him.

"I like to help people whenever I get a chance and Marty is a very deserving guy."

He's only been in business for six months, but Wong knew he had to find a way to fix Marty's van for free.

"Parts are hard to come by for older handicapped-accessible vans," he said. "There's not very many of these left like this."

With donations, Wong was able to tune up the van, replace the wheels, add a security alarm, tint the windows, clean the inside, and most importantly, fix the ramp.

Then came the moment Marty has been waiting for.

He couldn't wait to get outside, see his refurbished van and test out the new ramp.

"Sort of speechless, you know?" he said. "Not many people are going to go out of their way to do something like Randall did for me."

Marty says it's good to know there are still great people out in the world.