Last week, Tynan Power, an Island resident and Albertsons employee, had his bike stolen from the store parking lot. It is his primary means of transportation.

After learning of the theft, Mercer Island police Officer Scott Schroeder was disgusted — how could someone steal from Power, a very special and valued community member?

Schroeder immediately took it upon himself to begin searching for a replacement and found one, later telling Mercer Island Police Commander Leslie Burns about the theft.

Commander Burns went directly to Mercer Island’s Veloce Velo Bicycles and purchased Power a new helmet and lock. She also arranged to have Veloce Velo do a safety check and tune-up on the replacement bike. The staff at Veloce Velo saw a great opportunity to help a special Mercer Island resident and donated the repairs.

Later, Greg Martin from the bike shop called and said he saw Power’s stolen bike laying in the bushes by Mud Bay on his way back from lunch.

“We’re really, really happy that we found the stolen bike, and hopefully [Power] can keep riding for a long time,” Martin said.

Martin picked up the bike and brought it back to the bike shop for safekeeping. He called police to say that he found bike. But after noting that the donated bike was much nicer, he said they would be happy to continue fixing up the donated bike.

“We were happy to do the repairs on his bike and get everything going,” Martin said. “It’s really unfortunate when someone’s been taken advantage of like that and have something that they love stolen.”

The bike has since been presented to Power, who is thrilled with the new bike.