Disabled man attacked in NW Harris County, emotional support dog stolen in violent robbery

Mentally disabled man attacked, emotional support dog stolen

A 42-year-old mentally disabled man is on a heart-wrenching search for his emotional support dog after two people beat and robbed him. FOX 26's Randy Wallace spoke with the man about what happened. 

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas - Some people might judge Gene Fivel for panhandling with his dog, Bailey, at 290 and FM 1960 West. But he says it allows them to stay at a nearby motel.

What they're saying:

"I'm here every day in the morning for a couple of hours, and in the evening, a couple of hours. It helps support for shelter. I'm disabled, my check amount isn't much, just enough to eat on," Gene said. "People come and they help me and the dog out, they bring us toys and food and hygiene."

Gene is mentally disabled, he says Bailey is his emotional support dog.

"She's an emotional companion service dog" he said. "She's real sweet. She helps me through my problems. If I have trouble breathing, she wakes me up. She's been a blessing."

"If he doesn't have anything, that dog is going to eat first," said Peggy Dobbs, Gene's mother. "That dog is coming first."

On MLK Day, Gene was attacked at a gas station at 290 and FM 1960 West. Two men in a blue older model truck robbed and beat Gene and stole Bailey. A third person was in the truck. The robbery and attack was captured on surveillance video.

Gene is heartbroken over Bailey.

"I've seen my son angry, hostile, you name it, but never cry like he was crying," said Peggy. "It's like someone lost a child."

"When she showed up, and I couldn't find her, I cried for three hours," Gene said. "Kind of embarrassing, you know, a man crying."

The Harris County Sheriff's Office is investigating. Anyone with information on Bailey's whereabouts should text or call (409) 770-6495.