Suspect charged in theft of Jackie Robinson statue that was found burned in Kansas
A suspect has been arrested in connection with the theft of a life-size Jackie Robinson statue in Kansas that was found burned and in pieces, authorities said Tuesday.
A suspect has been arrested in connection with the theft of a life-size Jackie Robinson statue in Kansas that was found burned and in pieces, authorities said Tuesday.
Ricky Alderete, 45, has been charged with felony theft of value over $25,000, aggravated criminal damage to property, identity theft and making false information, Wichita police told reporters.
Officials said Tuesday there is no evidence of a hate crime, adding the statue appears to have been stolen to sell off its metal.
Investigators continue to look for additional suspects, police said, noting at least three people were seen on security video when the bronze statue of the pioneer athlete was stolen on Jan. 25 from a Wichita park and sports complex.
The statue was found five days later burning in a trash can. The burned pieces of the statue were not salvageable, officials said.
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