Waco, TX – A local mother of four is facing an uphill battle after her vehicle was stolen from right in front of her home, leaving her without transportation during one of the busiest times of the year. Rosa Sanchez, a single mother, is now left to figure out how to meet her family’s needs—especially as she cares for a daughter with a serious heart condition—after thieves took off with her 2011 Kia Sorento on November 20.
Sanchez, who lives on Cordova Street, says she had left the key to her car inside while charging it, never expecting it would be stolen. Security footage shows three suspects approaching the car, opening the door, and driving off. Sanchez, visibly distressed, explained that she had been charging the key for a few days and simply forgot to take it out of the vehicle. “I never thought anything like that would happen,” she said tearfully.
Rockdale Police later located the stolen vehicle in Cameron, but it was left in a damaged state—its front end smashed, the hood crushed, the engine compartment severely damaged, and the windows broken out. Patrol Captain Stephen Goodrich of the Rockdale Police Department described the damage as “extensive.”
For Sanchez, the timing couldn’t be worse. With the holiday season fast approaching, she’s not only left without a vehicle to run errands and complete daily tasks, but she’s also struggling to care for her sick child. Sanchez’s daughter, who was born with a heart condition, requires frequent treatments and medication, including an asthma steroid. Without a car, Sanchez has had difficulty getting her daughter the necessary medications, further complicating an already challenging situation.
“We didn’t have a Thanksgiving at all. I don’t know about Christmas or anything like that,” Sanchez said, her voice cracking. “It’s hard… I’m just trying to figure out how to make ends meet.”
To help cover the cost of a new car and essential expenses, Sanchez has turned to the community for support. She launched a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of $7,000, hoping that even small contributions can make a difference during this difficult time.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do,” Sanchez shared. “But any help is appreciated. Anything can help right now.”
As the investigation continues, Rockdale Police have confirmed that one suspect is in custody. A juvenile suspect, who was injured during an unrelated high-speed chase, remains in the hospital, while a third suspect is still at large.
In response to the rise in vehicle thefts, authorities are reminding residents to take precautions to prevent theft, particularly during the busy holiday season. Rockdale Police recommend the “lock, take, hide” initiative—locking vehicle doors, taking all valuables out of sight, and hiding personal items in the car to reduce the risk of theft.
Sanchez’s case serves as a painful reminder of how quickly a family’s stability can be disrupted by crime. As the holiday season approaches, her focus is on ensuring her children’s well-being, but without a car, it will be a struggle to make ends meet.
For those looking to help, donations to Sanchez’s GoFundMe page can provide some relief during this difficult time. The link to her campaign can be found [here](GoFundMe link).
In the meantime, local authorities are continuing their investigation into the theft, hoping to identify and apprehend the remaining suspect soon.
