Thieves steal autistic boy's Christmas presents from Swissvale home

SWISSVALE, Pa. — A mother in Swissvale said she was robbed of her son's Christmas presents and sense of security when someone broke into her home earlier this week.

Tacarra Allen said she returned to her home from running errands Monday when she noticed her home had been ransacked and robbed.

"I noticed my TV was on, and instantly I noticed things missing by the TV," Allen said.

Allen said she immediately called police and left her home in fear of someone still being inside. Soon after, she realized the thieves not only stole household items, but most of her autistic son's Christmas gifts.

"His Christmas ... that is something that I, as a single parent, cannot replace right away," said Allen.

Police said they were able to take fingerprints from the home, but so far, no arrests have been made.

A local church is donating toys to Allen so her 8-year-old son can still receive some gifts on Christmas morning.

"That just drew my attention when he was sitting there playing with Legos," Russ Urben, of Prospect, said. "I noticed the little gentleman liked to play with Legos, and we had some toys you can put together and a big box of Legos."

Urben was one of the many people who have donated gifts to the Allen family. He said he did it to honor his sister, Noel, who passed away two years ago.

"She just loved children. She was very outgoing, and on her behalf, I did this. She was born on Christmas Eve, and her name was Noel," Urben said.

WPXI