A prized statue of Jackie Robinson was stolen from a public park in Kansas Thursday by thieves who sawed off the bronze sculpture – leaving only the iconic baseball player’s feet.
The brazen theft – slammed by officials as “appalling” and “disgusting” – happened just a week before the start of Black History Month.
“More than disappointed, I’m angry that this has happened,” said Wichita City Council member Brandon Johnson.
“This is disgusting. This should not have happened.”
The thieves struck at night at the League 42 baseball field at McAdams Park, which is also home to the Jackie Robinson Pavilion.
Surveillance footage shows at least two people knocking down the large statue and putting it into a silver pickup truck.
City officials theorized criminals planned to sell the beloved statue for scrap — the sculpture cost the city up to $100,000 to install in 2021.
The sentimental value, however, is much higher, they say.
Thieves stole the statue in the middle of the night. Wichita Police Department/Facebook
“It has a huge impact in terms of the history of our community, the history of baseball, the meaning of Jackie Robinson and this move actually goes against everything that Jackie Robinson stood for. So it’s just horrible to me,” said Troy Houtman, Director of Parks and Recreation.
According to Houtman, the park has been dealing with a string of vandalism in recent months.
Hoping the thieves realize they’ll be in trouble trying to sell the iconic statue, officials are offering the chance to return the statue “no questions asked.”
Police believe the thieves will try to salvage the statue for cash. Wichita Police Department/Facebook
“We moved and repaired this statue. Hopefully, they’ll be smart enough to do so and bring the statue back so we can make repairs. If not, I think we’ll find some other action is possible,” said Houtman.
The Wichita Metro Crime Commission offered a reward Friday of up to $2,500 for tips leading to an arrest and another $5,000 for tips leading to the recovery of the statue.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
