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Elderly Man's Semi Stolen, Stripped By Thieves

MANTECA (CBS13) – Thieves took apart a semi-trailer belonging to an elderly World War II veteran, causing thousands of dollars in damage and leaving the truck miles away.

Ray Gonsalez, 89, said he hasn't seen the type of damage done to his stolen Peterbilt semi in his 50 years of running his trucking company. Once one of the gleaming centerpieces of his fleet, the stolen truck has been reduced to a damaged frame after every valuable part was ripped out.

By the time police found the vehicle in Tracy, the gas tank had been ripped out, the lights had been stolen, and the brand new rims and wheels were changed out. The thieves also stole the two-way radio, seats, and leather side panels, Gonzalez said.

"It makes me very sick. I want to cry," he said. "You know it takes a lot of work, cleaning the wheels, cleaning the truck every day, making it look nice."

Authorities haven't made any arrests in the theft and the Gonsalez family said they don't expect the culprits or stolen parts to be found.

Ray vowed to repair the cab to its proper condition.

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