Man blindsided by criminal asks for thousands of dollars in stolen property back

As many are celebrating this Memorial Day weekend, one man says he’s in shock and blindsided by a criminal.

The truck and six ATV’s Mat Bartels intended to enjoy with family and loved ones were stolen from him. He was staying at the Holiday Inn Express near I-25 and Woodmen when it happened.

Bartels drove in to Colorado Springs from St. Louis and visiting Colorado has always been a dream.

So, when he was able to take a trip into town for a surprise party, he was relieved. That trip came to a startling halt, however.

“This morning at 5:30 when we came out, my 2002 Ford F-250, my custom built flatbed 8×16 trailer, my 6 ATVs, all of my riding gear… my tools, everything had been stolen,” explained Bartels.

Though the items are worth thousands of dollars, to him they are invaluable.

“I’m very emotional. I spent a lot of effort time and money putting all this together, acquiring all the equipment so we could come out,” said Bartels. ” I was going to leave next Saturday so I had all week to take people out riding and there’s no sense in staying. There’s nothing.”

Bartels’ message to the thief is simple: “I’m sad to see this happened and I’d just like my stuff back.”

If you have any information, you are asked to call police at 444-7000 or Crime Stoppers at 634-7867.