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MILLCREEK — A family is offering a $250 reward for the recovery of their stolen 1995 Acura Integra.
Matt and Kristi Hanson, of Cottonwood Heights, said their beloved red car was stolen from an auto repair shop located at 1638 E. 3970 South in Millcreek in the early hours of Nov. 29.
"It's part of our family," said Kristi Hanson. "It's kind of our love story."
The couple have owned the car since 1999. It was the Hanson's first big purchase shortly after getting married.
"You know how certain songs remind you of certain things? This car reminds me of this trip or that trip, or bringing a baby home from the hospital," said Kristi Hanson. "You remember putting (the baby) in the back seat thinking, 'Here we go, this is crazy.'"
Two years ago, the couple said their journey with the car came full circle when they started restoring it for their oldest son, whom they had brought home from the hospital in the car so many years before. In total, they estimate spending $18,000 in repairs and accessories.
"We decided we would give it to him for his 18th birthday and he was so excited because he could have this project to work on and keep," said Matt Hanson.
"(Our son) agreed to a monthly payment for this project too so he's been paying us, he's invested," said Kristi Hanson.
However, on Wednesday morning, the couple received a call from their mechanic alerting them the car was missing. They soon recovered security footage showing the car being taken by two individuals overnight. One of the people appears to be wearing a light-colored hoodie with white lettering.
The Hansons have filed a police report with the Unified Police Department and is offering a reward for information that leads them to their car. Anyone with information can call the Unified Police Department at 801-840-4000.
The car's license plate is 435 KYA. Identifying marks include a sticker with white letters on the passenger window of the driver's side. There is also a scratch on the front bumper.
The Hansons said this is the second car they've had stolen. In May 2022, the couple said their Jeep was stolen from a different mechanic shop.
"The Jeep was totaled. It was rolled in a high speed chase with the police the night it was stolen," said Matt Hanson.
But this time, they're hoping for a different ending, perhaps even in time for Christmas.
"It would be the best Christmas miracle. I am hoping that I wake up, and I get a call (to say) 'we found your car,'" Kristi Hanson said.
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