By: Matt Scher, matts@977thebolt.com
Humboldt, IA – The investigation continues into the theft of an electric bicycle belonging to one of Humboldt’s most recognizable residents, while community members have already stepped forward in a remarkable way to help him replace it.
Danny Williams, known throughout Humboldt as “Dan the Can Man,” discovered his electric bike missing early Monday morning, July 13, when he was preparing to leave for work.
“I wanted to leave the house at 6:30 a.m. to go to Fareway, and I noticed my bike was gone,” Williams said.
According to Humboldt Police Chief Jacob Miller, surveillance video shows the theft occurred at approximately 1:55 a.m. Monday.
Miller said investigators have two persons of interest they are looking at, and the case remains under investigation. Police are still hoping someone who has information, or who may have possession of the bicycle, will come forward and return it.
The stolen bicycle is described as a gray and black QuietKat Apex electric bike, valued at approximately $3,400. The bike had been donated to Williams.
Investigators say the bike was plugged into an extension cord near the end of Williams’ driveway when it was taken. Williams said he had trusted the community’s honor system and had not secured the bike with a lock.
After the theft, the Humboldt County Law Enforcement Center shared a social media post asking residents to watch for the bicycle, describing Williams as “one of Humboldt’s nicest people” and noting the bike was his primary mode of transportation.
The response from the community was overwhelming.
Residents organized a GoFundMe campaign to help replace the bicycle, and within about 24 hours donations climbed to more than $9,400, nearly doubling the original fundraising goal.
When Williams first learned how much had been raised, his reaction was simple.
“I loved it,” he said.
Asked what he would like to say to everyone who donated and offered support, Williams responded, “I love the whole town of Humboldt and the community.”
For more than four decades, Williams has become a familiar sight throughout Humboldt, riding his bicycle and walking roadways collecting redeemable cans while helping keep the community clean.
He’s been collecting cans since May 1981.
“I’d say at least $200 to $300 worth,” Williams said of the cans he collects in a typical week. “Everyone drops theirs off at my house if they don’t want to monkey with them. I tell them I’ll take them.”
His routes often take him well outside town.
“Sometimes I walk clear out to the drag strip, cleaning the ditches,” he said.
Now 64 years old, Williams has lived in Humboldt since 1972 after previously living in Bradgate with stops in Janesville and Waterloo. Born in Fort Dodge, he has worked at Fareway since 1993 and also spent six years working at Iowa Central Industries.
Although investigators continue searching for the stolen bicycle, Williams is already making plans to better protect its replacement. With the help of neighbors, he’s cleaning out his garage, installing a security light, and plans to purchase a bike lock.
He’s also looking forward to commemorating the day he gets back on two wheels.
“If I get a new bike, I’ll have the police station take a picture of me with it too,” Williams said.
Anyone with information about the theft or the location of the bicycle is encouraged to contact the Humboldt Police Department or the Humboldt County Law Enforcement Center at (515) 332-2600. The link to his gofundme can be found here.