4 mini bikes, 1 mini chopper stolen from South Central Shrine Association gathering

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Four mini bikes and one mini chopper were stolen from members of the South Central Shrine Association while they gathered Friday (June 2) in Shreveport.

The group gathers every year for a meeting and was staying at the Courtyard by Marriot near the Shreveport airport when the bikes disappeared.

Bill Rodriguez, president of the South Central Shrine Association and potentate of El Karubah Shriners, Shreveport, said the bikes were going to be used in a fun gathering and he feels disappointed.

“We love the kids so much and we want to make sure the kids are taken care of. Then when we meet in a location to have fun for ourselves and this happens. It kind of pulls the rug out from underneath you.”

The four mini bikes were Coleman Brand, with “Sahara Shriners” on the side, and a Shriner logo on the motor. They are from Pine Bluff, Ark. The mini chopper has “El Karubah” on the side and is from Alexandria, La.

“The mini bikes that they stole out of the back of the trucks, the tailgates were locked and were strapped down. It’s like a giant lawn mower engine and it weighs a couple hundred pounds,” Rodriguez said. “Evidently, they had lifted them up and set them over the side of the truck. Whoever did this has a little muscle behind them.”

Rodriguez said Shriners does a lot to help children, and he hopes the bikes will be returned.

“If you see anything that looks familiar to what’s in the pictures. please call the police and make a note of the time,” he said. “All this stuff comes out of our pockets. We’re Shriners, we do what we can do for the kids and we just want our stuff back.”

Officials say there are no suspect details at this time. If you have any information on the stolen bikes, call SPD at (318) 673-7300.

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