How a tool thief almost stole Christmas
Published 10:30 am Tuesday, December 23, 2025
A rain-soaked night on Dec. 8 on Vashon Island ended with injuries, a trip to a Tacoma emergency room and the theft of thousands of dollars’ worth of professional tools from a local electrician.
But what could have remained a straightforward account of bad luck instead unfolded with a familiar story of redemption right out of a holiday classic.
Chris Burrows, who operates Local Electric Vashon, said the accident occurred around 6 p.m. as he was driving to a job and navigating a sharp turn on Bank Road near Agren Memorial Park — a stretch of road many islanders know for its lack of lighting and guardrails. His truck came to rest just feet from a memorial marking a fatal 2017 accident at the same location.
“Every time you go around that corner you think, ‘When is the next accident here going to be,’” said Burrows, who has lived on the island for six years and drives the route regularly. “This time it was me.”
Heavy rain, slick pavement and low visibility contributed to the crash. Burrows crawled out of the truck bruised, bleeding and shaken. A passerby stopped to help and called his wife to pick him up. Believing his vehicle would be safe, Burrows left the truck at the scene and headed to the ER.
“Honestly, being Vashon, I assumed nothing would happen to it,” he said.
A wonderful, awful idea
He returned around midnight, only to discover that someone played a great Grinchy trick. The tools he relied on for work — thousands of dollars’ worth of specialized electrical equipment — had been stolen.
For Burrows, the tools aren’t only expensive to replace but essential to earning a living and supporting his wife and two daughters. As word of the accident and theft circulated through the community, neighbors began to step in.
He hadn’t stopped Christmas from coming. It came. Somehow or other, it came just the same.
A local fundraiser was organized by Vashonites to help Burrows recover from his injuries, replace his truck and continue working. Within two days of the accident, the effort had nearly reached its goal.
Support also came in practical ways, with meal trains and offers to loan Burrows a vehicle.
“I try to apply myself and do what I can for people,” he said. “To see folks show that back to me — it was overwhelming.”
And what happened then? Well, on Vashon Island they say a tool thief’s heart grew three sizes that day.
Two nights after the theft, the story took another unexpected turn.
Burrows got a message on Facebook from the person responsible. After seeing the fundraiser post, the individual wanted to return the tools and make amends.
Not long after, the man met up with Burrows, returning the stolen equipment and offering an apology.
“He just said, ‘I’m really sorry. I took advantage of the situation and I shouldn’t have done that,’” Burrows said. “We talked, shook hands and parted ways.”
Burrows didn’t press charges. He doesn’t shy away from the fact that stealing tools is a serious offense — but he also believes in acknowledging when someone tries to make things right.
“All I can really ask is for someone to apologize and do the best they can. ‘Tis the season, right?” he said. “Karmically, I’m happy with where things landed.”
But the sound wasn’t sad! Why, this sound sounded glad!
Physically, Burrows is still recovering. Cracked ribs have slowed him down and he borrowed a truck until he can get his replaced. He’s working when possible, helping islanders with electrical needs during the winter months.
“The best thing I can do is get back out there and help people,” he said. “Get their heat going, get their lights on.”
And that sense of belonging, Burrows said, is something he plans to return.
“I don’t think everyone gets the chance to really see where they belong in their community,” Burrows said. “I finally did.”
Eddie Macsalka is a contributing journalist for The Beachcomber.
