Men accused of destroying cerebral palsy patient's wheelchair waive prelims

None — SCOTTDALE, Pa. -- Several families, including the mother of a boy with cerebral palsy, were in court on Wednesday to face two teenagers accused of breaking into their vehicles last week in Scottdale.

Investigators said Dylon and Christopher Prolenski were charged in a weekend crime spree that included burglarizing several cars and damaging 6-year-old Ian Hixon’s motorized wheelchair. The brothers waived their preliminary hearings on Wednesday.

Ian and his mother, Heather Hixon, were among several victims who were in court for the hearing.

“We sat right in the front row,” said Hixson. “Unfortunately, we didn't see them, but it's OK. One day we will, and hopefully they'll have some remorse then."

Police said the brothers destroyed Ian’s specialized wheelchair and trashed his medical supplies during their night of vandalism.  Since Channel 11’s story first aired, viewers stepped up and donated more than $20,000 to the boy’s family.

“It's been mind-blowing,” said Heather Hixon. “I just wake up every day and think, my goodness, what's going to happen tomorrow?"

Channel 11 News also talked with Amanda Redmond, one of 32 people who woke up and found cash, coins, clothes and electronics missing from her car last week.

“My purse was stolen, my wallet, my credit cards, my cash,” said Redmond.

Police said they found evidence in one of the suspects’ homes linking them to the crimes.

Officers said Christopher Prolenski told them he was on drugs the night of the crime spree and that he needed the money.

The brothers remain in the Westmoreland County Prison.

WPXI