SAN ANTONIO – A veteran said he feels cheated and disrespected on a holiday meant to celebrate veterans.
The San Antonio Navy veteran’s car was stolen from his home early this morning, and he saw the whole thing happening right before his eyes.
After more than 20 years of service, Gilbert Cano Jr. spent his first Veterans Day as a Navy veteran feeling crushed.
“I’m feeling hopeless,” he said. “I’m actually at the lowest point I’ve been in the last 23 years.”
After spending seven years in Japan, Cano’s car and truck were two of the only possessions he came home to.
“A day and a half ago, I go to Lowes, I’m in there 30-40 minutes and my truck is gone,” Cano said.
Cano reported it to San Antonio police. Though police haven’t confirmed that with KSAT yet, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office confirmed what happened the next day.
“I saw lights in front of my carport here, and that's when I went inside and called dispatch. A young man with a gray hoodie jumped the fence, got in my car … then he took off (to) the back side of the yard and drove straight through the fence,” Cano said. “I don't know if they have guns, I don't know how many there are, so I went inside, did the smart thing. I'd rather be alive and continue part two of my life.”
Cano spent his Veterans Day setting up a new fence. He said he wants his vehicles back, but more than that he’s hoping for a change in his community.
“Take care of each other. The Navy and the service has taught us to take care of each other no matter what color, creed, race or what you believe in. We're Americans,” Cano said.
Cano said he wants to see the respect and decency he saw in the military back in the homeland he worked so hard to defend.
Anyone who has information about the stolen vehicles is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office.