A specialty wheelchair needed by a disabled boy was destroyed in an SUV that thieves stole and set fire to in Brantford.

According to Brantford Police, a 2005 Cadillac Escalade was stolen from the Lynden Park Mall on Tuesday just after 4 p.m.

Police found the vehicle torched beyond recognition a few hours later on the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve. The thieves managed to escape after a short pursuit.

At the time of the theft, the wheelchair used by Stephen and Meghan Gardecki’s son Isaiah — whose condition has been described by family members as similar to severe cerebral palsy —was inside.

The distraught parents took to Facebook on Tuesday appealing to friends and family, hoping someone spotted the Escalade. The post says they were “desperate” for his wheelchair.

After learning about the fire, the Gardeckis posted a photo of their charred vehicle on Facebook and said steps toward rebuilding Isaiah’s medical and mobility needs were being taken. In the post, they express their gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and concern.

One of Stephen’s cousins set up a Go Fund Me page called Help the Gardeckis, where people can donate funds that will go toward replacing the $10,000 wheelchair. More than $2,500 was raised in just six hours.

Police are still investigating the theft. Anyone with information is asked to call contact Brantford police at 519-756-7050.