LEWISTON, Maine — Ruth Slovenski of Lewiston acquired her blue Huffy bicycle as a gift in 1943 when she was a teenager and had been riding it ever since.
But the 66-year-old bike was stolen last weekend after its 83-year-old owner left it unlocked during her regular visit to a local nursing home.
Police said Slovenski arrived at Maison Marcotte at 2:45 p.m. Saturday, leaving the bike near a mailbox. When she went to leave less than two hours later, the bike was gone.
A security video at the nursing home showed a male wearing a hat and dark clothing riding off on a bike that fit the description of the one that was stolen.
Cpl. Matthew Cushman quoted Slovenski as saying the bike, with wide fenders and a large metal basket, had great sentimental value.