SEDGWICK COUNTY — A prized statue of Jackie Robinson stolen from a public park in Wichita last week has been found dismantled and burned, according League 42 founder Bob Lutz.
Early Tuesday, fire crews responded to a fire in a trash can at Garvey Park 3501 South Washington in Wichita, according to Wichita Police spokesperson Andrew Ford. The dumpster contained remaining pieces of the statue.
The statue was cut at the ankles to be removed. All that remained of the statue were Robinson's feet. On Monday police reported they had recovered the truck believed to be used in the theft of the statue.
The statue honors the first player to break Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947. Surveillance video was released of two people hauling the sculpture away in the dark.
The Wichita Metro Crime Commission offered a reward Friday of up to $2,500 for tips leading to arrests in the case.
Robinson played for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers, paving the way for generations of Black American ballplayers. He's considered not only a sports legend but also a civil rights icon.
Wichita City Council member Brandon Johnson called the theft “horrendous” and “disgusting,” and said that residents are feeling hurt and angry, and demanding justice. During the Tuesday news conference Johnson said the statue will be replaced.
Police have not reported an arrest in the crime. Police Chief Joe Sullivan asked those involved to turn themselves in. Sullivan said he expects to make arrests in the case.