Man Arrested For Theft And Destruction Of Jackie Robinson Statue In Kansas

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A 45-year-old man, Ricky Alderete, has been arrested by the Wichita Police Department for allegedly stealing and destroying a Jackie Robinson statue in Kansas. The authorities have charged him with felony theft and aggravated criminal damage to property. It is believed that Alderete’s motive was to profit from the metal scraps of the statue.

Alleged Theft and Destruction

The theft of the beloved Jackie Robinson statue took place outside a youth baseball facility late last month. The statue was later found burnt and destroyed to a pile of rubble. The police investigation revealed that Alderete was allegedly involved in the act and it is suspected that there may be more individuals connected to the crime.

Community Response and Replacement Plans

The Wichita Police Department expressed their gratitude to the community for their support, patience, and information related to the case. City officials have announced their intention to replace the Robinson sculpture with another one in the near future. A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to raise funds for the eventual replacement statue, which has already garnered more than $194,000 in donations.