Two Offer to Replace Prineville Man’s Van

A Prineville man in a wheelchair whose van was stolen and crashed by a teen earlier this week got a gift he never expected on Friday. Several people have stepped forward to help, and two people even offered to donate their own van to him.

Police say David Cozart, 15, stole the van from Roger Wollam early Tuesday, then crashed it south of town, while under the influence.

Without collision insurance, Wollam wasn’t sure how he was going to afford a new van.

After hearing his story and seeing his forgiving attitude toward the boy who crashed his van, a single mother of three, Tara Hankins, met with Wollam on Friday to show him the van she wants to donate.

“Everything happens for a reason,” Hankins said. “You know, I had this van just sitting there, and I’m not using it. I just thought there was a reason that this came about, and it hit my heart.”

Wollam also was surprised by bank accounts for donations started by others, but when it comes to donating a van, he said he can’t believe someone would be so gracious.

“I have had my down times,” Wollam said. “You know, being 71 and living all by myself, there’s a lot of lonely hours. But this has kind of made up for it. There’s people coming out everywhere.”

Hankin’s van was one of two Wollam is checking out. He also will see another one next week. Either way, if Wollam doesn’t take it, Hankins says she’ll donate it to Habitat for Humanity.

“if I can do anything to help anyone out, I got it,” said Hankins.

Hankins is a family friend of the Cozarts, the teen who was drinking and stole the van from Wollam’s back yard.

Cozart’s father said his son is paralyzed from the waist down, and may never walk again.

“Not much of anything that’s going to depress you more than not being able to walk and be active,” Wollam said.

Wollam has arthritis and has been in a wheelchair for seven years. He said he hopes to share his experiences with Cozart, who will need more support now than ever.

“I might get to step forward and be that grandfather figure,” said Wollam “I don’t want him to feel sorry for himself and give up. He’s got to be stronger. He’s got to be stronger now than he was before.”

Cozart remained in fair condition Friday night at OHSU in Portland. Wollam is working to find out which van will fit his needs the best.