Photo: GoFundMe
More than $90,000 has been raised to help Andres Benitez and his family, who have a landscaping business in California, after their brand-new truck was stolen in a chase thataired live on local television.
Three vehicles, including the family’s work truck,were stolenWednesday after a man fled a traffic stop in Fullerton, according to NBC affiliate KNBC.
As of Friday afternoon, that number increased to over $94,000 thanks to the nearly 2,500 people who have donated.
GoFundMe
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told PEOPLE “the suspect is currently being held on a parole violation pending further charges.”
“This was obviously an incredibly dangerous pursuit involving a suspect who had zero regard for public safety, for the motorists on the street and the police officers involved,” Capt. Jon Radus, a Fullerton Police Department spokesperson, toldThe Los Angeles Times. “I’m just grateful that nobody was seriously injured.”
The Fullerton Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
In a Friday update to the GoFundMe campaign, Benitez said law enforcement had informed the family that the vehicle had been shot at and is “now considered part of evidence,” meaning they likely will not have access to the equipment until the end of the case.
Luckily, he added, the family has received enough money via donations to replace everything they lost.
Andres' younger brother, Antonio Benitez, also expressed his gratitude to everyone who has supported them.
Another man, whoserefrigerator truck was stolenas part of Wednesday’s chase, has also started a GoFundMe. John Reynolds told KABC that the president of his homeowner association called him about the incident as he was leaving Knott’s Berry Farm with his family.
So far, Reynolds' fundraiser has garnered over $27,000 in donations. “Thank you all for showing my family love and support,” he wrote in a message.
source: people.com
