Springfield, Mo. – Taylar Dodson, a sophomore at Missouri State University, is reaching out to the Springfield community for help after his brand‑new 2024 Yamaha R7 motorcycle was stolen from a campus parking lot on the night of Sept. 25.
What happened
Dodson says he parked the bike in Lot 28 along Cherry Street just before midnight. When he returned around 7 a.m. the next morning, the motorcycle was gone. He immediately reported the theft to the Springfield Police Department.
Security footage shows a suspect vehicle
Dodson and his father, Paul Fergot, reviewed campus security video that captured the incident. The footage shows Dodson parking the bike, then, about 45 minutes later, a car pulling up and lingering near the motorcycle. After roughly 14 minutes, the driver opened the trunk, lifted the bike onto the vehicle, and drove away. The suspect vehicle appears to be a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox that headed toward National Avenue near the fraternity houses.
Family and community appeal
“We’re really hoping the community can pull together and help us out on this one,” Paul Fergot said. “It’s a terrible thing to happen to our kids. They’re just going to college, trying to build a better life.” Dodson added that the bike’s near‑new condition likely made it an attractive target.
How you can help
Anyone with information about the stolen motorcycle or the suspect vehicle is asked to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417‑864‑1810. The police department encourages anyone who may have seen the vehicle on or near National Avenue that night to come forward.
Police response
Springfield police have opened an investigation and are reviewing additional surveillance sources in the area. They thanked the public for any tips that could lead to the recovery of the bike and the apprehension of the suspect.
Why this matters to the community
Motorcycle thefts can have a lasting impact on students who rely on personal transportation to attend classes and jobs. The university and local law‑enforcement agencies are working together to raise awareness and protect campus safety. Community members are encouraged to stay vigilant, report suspicious activity, and support one another during incidents like this.
For updates on the investigation, follow the Springfield Police Department’s official channels or contact the department directly.
Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.
