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Kansas City auto body shop gives more than just free repairs to local crime victim

Proof good Samaritans still exist
Posted at 3:28 PM, Jul 28, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-28 22:10:15-04
A local body shop is helping make a difference after a Kansas City woman is the victim of a violent crime.
 
On June 9, Desari Lathrop was pulling into the parking lot of a pharmacy at 63rd and Prospect when a man came running up to her car and tried to get inside the passenger door. It was locked, so he climbed onto the roof and fell through the sunroof into her car. He assaulted her and tried to grab the steering wheel. Lathrop and the suspect fought for control of the car. During the struggle, Lathrop’s car ran into another parked car, causing thousands of dollars in damage to her vehicle.  
 
The suspect then attempted to break into other cars in the parking lot, occupied and unoccupied. Police arrived and took him into custody.  When the KCPD Victim Assistance Unit contacted Lathrop after the incident to let her know about the progress of the investigation and about the resources available to crime victims, officers learned she could not pay for repairs to her car. Lathrop is a full-time student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. 
 
The Victim Assistance Unit staff started calling body shops around Kansas City to see if anyone would be willing to donate their repair services. After many declined, staff reached out to Alex Kulinets with Prestige KC Auto. Kulinets agreed to perform the more-than $3,000 in repairs for free.  
 
Lathrop’s car is now good as new thanks to Alex Kulinets with Prestige KC Auto and the members of the KCPD Victim Assistance Unit. 
 
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Alyson Bruner can be reached at alyson.bruner@kshb.com.

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