[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 29, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S970]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             JAKE D. ROBEL

 Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to extend 
my heartfelt sympathies to the family of 6-year-old Jake D. Robel of 
Blue Springs, Missouri.
  One week ago Jake died after being dragged for almost five miles at 
high speed by a man who had stolen Jake's mother's car in Independence, 
Missouri.
  Jake's mom had stopped at a sandwich shop to run in and pick up her 
order. She left her car running and Jake was waiting in the car.
  This town and area should be safe. Many would say tragedies like this 
one happen everywhere else, but not here. In this area, there are 
people who always leave their car doors unlocked and their keys in the 
ignition. Many leave their homes unlocked and have no idea where to 
find the house key.
  Unfortunately, that sense of security is now shattered.
  In those few moments it took Jake's mom to run into the sandwich 
shop, an assailant jumped in her vehicle and sped away. Jake, with his 
mother's help, tried to escape from the vehicle, but became entangled 
in the seat belt. In a heartbeat, the car door closed--with Jake 
tangled in the seat belt--being dragged behind.
  I can't imagine the loss felt by the family and friends of Jake 
Robel. However, I want to join with the countless families in Missouri 
and across the nation in sending my thoughts and prayers to those in 
grief.
  Mr. President, in addition, it is important to recognize the bravery, 
heroism, and citizenship of those that tried to come to Jake's rescue.
  The man who stole the car took off on Interstate 70 at high speed. 
All along the way, people honked and shouted from their cars for him to 
stop. The driver was stopped and apprehended, not by the police, but by 
approximately four gentlemen who managed to surround the vehicle after 
the man left I-70 and turned onto a busy street in Independence, 
Missouri. The man tried to escape on foot, but was stopped by these 
heroes who tied his feet together and sat on him until the police 
arrived. These men acted swiftly and responsibly.
  Once again, Mr. President, my thoughts and prayers go out to the 
family of Jake Robel as well as to all those who witnessed such a 
tragedy. I also want to recognize the gentlemen who apprehended the 
driver. These honorable citizens have shown us first-hand that heroes 
do exist.

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