Avondale Police: Special needs van taken from mother has been returned

AVONDALE, Ariz. (FOX 10) -- Officials with Avondale Police say a special needs van that belongs to a mother has been returned.

FOX 10 first reported on the story on Friday. The van, which belongs to Tanisha Rodriguez, was donated to her by the Knights of Columbus -- Catholic Diocese of Phoenix. Rodriguez uses the specially outfitted Chrysler Town and Country to take her 17-year-old disabled son around.

Rodriguez said at the time that her ex-boyfriend drove off in the van.

"Saturday, he went six in the morning. It was really cold outside, he asked if he -- he said he was going to take his children home to his mother, because he had to work and run a few errands that day," said Rodriguez. "He dropped his children off, and was never seen or heard from again, in my van."

At the time, Rodriguez had a plea.

"I would tell him please, just bring the van back," said Rodriguez. "I don't want anything else. Just want it for my son. Go on about your day. Just bring the van back."

In a statement released Monday, Sgt. Ray Emmett with Avondale Police says the van was recovered on Sunday, and has been returned to the owner.