The founder of a North Texas non-profit organization is trying to figure out who vandalized a vehicle used to spread awareness for her cause.
Jamie Dingle started "The Au-Some Crawler" organization two years ago. It's based in Parker County, where Dingle lives.
Dingle uses a special Jeep called the Au-Some Crawler to spread awareness about autism. The Jeep is covered with more than 400 puzzle pieces, the international symbol for Autism Awareness.
"Every single puzzle piece on that Jeep holds a special place in my heart," Dingle said.
Sometime late Monday night or early Tuesday morning, she says someone vandalized the Jeep by denting the hood, peeling off puzzle piece stickers and spray-painting the words "Go Away" on the hood.
Dingle said it happened while the Au-Some Crawler was parked in the driveway of her home.
"I started screaming. I was screaming at the top of my lungs," Dingle said. "Why would somebody do this to something that I have created for special needs awareness?"
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The damage was so bad, it had to be towed to Caliber Collision in Fort Worth, which repaired the Au-Some Crawler for free.
"It's a very special Jeep, and as soon as I saw it I knew I wanted to jump on and help out," service advisor Chris Briley said.
The help comes just in the nick of time. Dingle said the vandalism nearly caused her to miss an event this weekend.
"I was devastated in thinking that I may not be able to attend this event with Autism Speaks," she said.
Dingle was brought to tears when the repaired Au-Some Crawler was delivered to her Thursday.
Despite what she's going through, she said she's determined to stay focused on the big picture.
"They will not stop me from doing what I love most, which is out there raising awareness into acceptance for the Autism community," she said.
Dingle said she has no idea who would target the Au-Some Crawler.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Parker County Sheriff's Office.
