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Family wants answers after son’s presents were stolen

DUGGER, Ind. (WTHI) – This Christmas has been one to remember, and not in a good way, for 14-year-old Colt Snyder.

“I can’t believe this just happened, out of all odds… it was me,” said Snyder.

On Christmas Eve, Snyder went out to spend time with his mother. Snyder’s father also left the home to run a quick errand. When his father returned, he noticed Snyder’s gifts were missing.

“In the few minutes he was gone, someone had broken into the apartment and stole Colt’s Xbox, PS4, controllers, games, everything,” said Jody Eslinger, Colt’s mother.

Among the items taken, Colt’s PlayStation 4 hit him the hardest. That’s because he paid for the game system himself, saving money he accumulated from his jobs over the summer. Colt worked for Pioneer detasseling corn and also earned money by taking out the garbage for disabled residents and mowing lawns.

“He’s a hardworking kid,” said Eslinger, “To know that it wasn’t just our money, our Christmas gifts, it was something he worked hard and contributed to.”

“It just hurts me,” said Snyder, “I don’t see why someone would do that.”

Eslinger says in all, the suspect(s) managed to get away with more than $1,000 in value. For this to happen during the holidays, she says it’s been tough to watch.

“Just to know someone would hurt your child, it breaks your heart,” said Eslinger, “Right now we just have to chalk it up as a loss.”

That loss Eslinger plans to turn into an opportunity to remind people that this could happen to anyone.

“Even though we live in a small town and you don’t think anything is going to happen, even something as simple as going to the gas station and leaving your door unlocked is unsafe,” said Eslinger, “I don’t want this to happen to someone else’s child.”

In the meantime, Snyder is hopeful someone will come forward and return his things.

“I’ve just been sitting around watching TV just thinking maybe it will come back,” said Snyder, “Sometimes I just look out the window to see if someone is walking down to bring it back.”

Eslinger has also turned to social media to help get the word out. She has posted on her Facebook, asking that people share, in hopes of recovering Colt’s belongings.

https://www.facebook.com/jody.eslinger/posts/10203980369829554?pnref=story

“If anyone happens to see a ps4 Nathan Drake edition and an xbox 360 with the panel on the hard drive missing for sale on here or anywhere in the area please notify me ASAP. Also if you see the games fall out 4 , destiny and the nathan drake collection ps4 games let me know. Please feel free to share. Thanks.”

Eslinger asks that people keep an eye out for the serial number of the PlayStation 4, below is a picture (click to enlarge).