Sending in a replacement

“Sweet!” Dylan Boggs exclaimed as he unwrapped a brand new Nintendo Game Boy.

Though that may be the standard reaction from a 10-year-old boy who receives a hand-held video game player, Dylan’s response was full of more than excitement.

The Game Boy was a gift from the Costa Mesa Police Department, given to Dylan in a special ceremony held Tuesday at the police station.

While staying at a Costa Mesa homeless shelter with his mother several weeks ago, Dylan’s Game Boy was stolen off his bed. Dylan’s mom, Darlene Blackwood, reported the theft to police, but there were few leads and little police could do to find the stolen Game Boy.

Detectives Robert Dimel and Matt Olin, partners in the department’s property theft and burglary unit, were assigned to Dylan’s case. Knowing that Dylan’s Game Boy likely wouldn’t be found, the detectives wanted to replace it.

“Just reading the report ? you just feel bad for them,” Dimel said.

Olin works closely with a loss prevention specialist at a Costa Mesa Target store, and when he approached the store about donating a Game Boy for Dylan, they were happy to help, Olin said.

“Target was really generous with everything they were able to donate,” Olin said.

When Dylan went to the police station Tuesday, he had no idea he was going to receive the Game Boy. Police surprised him with the Game Boy, along with a carrying case and a Super Mario Bros. game. Costa Mesa Police Chief John Hensley awarded Dylan with an honorary police badge.

“We’re glad that we could bring a little joy to your heart,” Hensley said to Dylan.

Blackwood and her son were staying at the Interfaith Shelter in Costa Mesa on March 17 when the theft occurred. Police questioned other families staying at the shelter, but no one had information about the theft, Dimel said.

“I was really disappointed,” Dylan said.

The Game Boy was a present for Dylan’s birthday several years ago. Blackwood had to make sacrifices to save up the money to buy it.

“I skimped and went without,” Blackwood said.

While staying at shelters, Blackwood always told Dylan to share the Game Boy with other children. If he shared, she thought other kids would be less likely to steal it. dpt.05-gameboy-1-CPhotoInfoND1PL0QJ20060405ix89reknKENT TREPTOW / DAILY PILOT(LA)Dylan Boggs, 10, unwraps a gift from the Costa Mesa Police Department: a new Game Boy ? Dylan’s first one was stolen.