The wheelchair-bound Manteca man who saw thieves drive away with his car that he had advertised for sale on Craigslist Tuesday had intended to use the $2,800 for a family Christmas.

The couple who said they were from Elk Grove – a white man and a heavyset black woman – had checked out the 1994 Green Honda Civic at the man’s home before asking to take it for a test drive. They took the keys, started up the car, drove away and never returned, police said.

The victim of the car theft said that since he had been disabled in a construction accident nine years ago, he has not been able to work.  His parents live with him in the 1000 block of Ridgecrest Drive and neither of them have jobs, he said Wednesday.

A Ripon woman had left a voice mail at the Bulletin office Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning saying she would like to help the man with a contribution toward his Christmas.  She left her name and phone number, but the number was garbled in the recording when a staffer attempted to call her back.  She had asked for the man’s name and phone number so that she could reach him either through the newspaper or the police department.

Police are asking members of the public to be on the lookout for the green Honda Civic  with a license of 5ZBP547.  The theft suspect is believed to be in his late 20s to early 30s, had no facial hair and was about 5-foot-10 in height and of stocky build with a large tattoo on the right side of his neck.

The victim described the woman as being about the same age and somewhat overweight.  She stood about 5-foot-5 and was wearing a black dress.

South County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspects and the return of the car.  Callers may phone 823-4636 to receive the reward and remain anonymous.