For many Topekans, she is instantly recognizable.
Whether she’s riding through town, attending community events, or bringing a smile to someone’s day, the local former first responder known as “Moto Pineapple” has become something of a local legend. Dressed in her trademark pineapple-themed riding suit and cruising aboard her distinctive KTM motorcycle, she’s hard to miss.
Late Sunday night—or more accurately, early Monday morning—that visibility may have made her a target.
At approximately 1:54 a.m., surveillance footage captured two individuals allegedly stealing Moto Pineapple’s KTM motorcycle from a location in central Topeka.
According to information provided to This Is Topeka, the suspects arrived in what appears to be a black Ford F-150 stepside pickup truck. Video footage reportedly shows two individuals, believed to be one male and one female, loading the motorcycle into the bed of the truck before driving away.
What happened next may have prevented the theft from becoming permanent.
Sources familiar with the incident say the motorcycle fell from the truck approximately a block away from where it was taken. The bike was eventually recovered, but not before sustaining extensive damage.
While the motorcycle has been found, questions remain.
Moto Pineapple believes there is a possibility the theft was not entirely random.
KTM motorcycles are relatively uncommon in Topeka, and she worries the suspects may have specifically been looking for her motorcycle rather than simply taking advantage of an opportunity.
Whether the theft was targeted or merely a crime of opportunity remains under investigation.
The incident was captured on surveillance cameras, and the case has been reported to the Topeka Police Department.
Anyone with information about the individuals involved, the truck seen in the footage, or the theft itself is encouraged to contact the Topeka Police Department.
Individuals who wish to remain anonymous may also contact This Is Topeka at:
We will forward credible information to investigators while protecting confidential sources.
Topeka has a strong motorcycle community, and riders across the city know how personal a motorcycle can become. For many riders, a bike is more than transportation—it’s part of who they are.
So here’s the challenge, Topeka:
Take a close look at the surveillance images. Someone knows this truck. Someone knows these people.
Let’s help identify whoever thought it was a good idea to steal a local first responder’s motorcycle.
And let’s make sure they understand that in Topeka, even Moto Pineapple has people looking out for her.
