An Indianapolis family’s Christmas was ruined when burglars stole their car and a World War II uniform that belonged to Joe Melillo’s grandfather. Melillo’s mother discovered her white Toyota Highlander missing from a south-side hotel parking lot, WTHR reports.
Joe Melillo told FOX59, “A car can be replaced, we don't really care about that, but 80 years of history lost because of greed at Christmas is a terrible story.” He told WTHR that they briefly tracked the vehicle to an apartment complex in Speedway, but the signal stopped at 2:30 a.m., suggesting the tracker may have been disabled.
The family also mourns the loss of a WWII Merchant Marine jacket that belonged to Melillo’s grandfather, who died three months before Melillo was born, WTHR reports. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has been tracking the stolen car via license plate readers but has not located it; the last ping was near 38th Street and Eagle Creek Parkway, FOX59 reports.
Melillo told WRTV, “Having something like this would’ve meant the world to me, to be able to hold onto and then pass on to my kids.” He also posted on Facebook, asking anyone who recognizes the vehicle or the military uniform to contact authorities. The case remains open, and anyone with information is urged to call IMPD or CrimeStoppers at 317-262-TIPS.
