Wichita Police Arrest Man For Stealing Jackie Robinson Statue • Hollywood Unlocked

It looks like a man is behind bars after allegedly stealing a Jackie Robinson statue, according to authorities. 

On January 25, police received reports about the statue being snatched and was cut off at the ankles. After searching for the statue, authorities reportedly found it smoking in a trash can, now fast word to Monday (February 12) Ricky Alderete was charged with theft for the incident. Alderete, 45, was first taken into custody at the start of the month on a warrant for his arrest in an unrelated kidnapping case, reports the Associated Press. 

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Alderete was charged with four counts — including felony theft (value over $25,000) and aggravated criminal damage to property, per the Wichita Police Department. He was additionally charged with two more counts — identity theft and making false information — stemming from a 2022 pawn ticket incident. He is being held on $150,000 bond, reports the Associated Press.

While speaking at press conference Tuesday, WPD Chief Joe Sullivan said Alderete’s arrest was “only the first arrest,” and more will possibly be coming soon. 

The WPD said there has “not [been] any evidence indicating that this was a hate-motivated crime, instead, we believe this theft was motivated by the financial gain of scrapping common metal.” 

“Our detectives remain committed to gathering information to identify and charge all individuals involved in the theft and destruction of the Jackie Robinson statue,” read the WPD statement.

In the heart of Wichita, Kansas, stands a remarkable statue honoring an extraordinary individual who played an instrumental role in breaking down racial barriers in professional sports. The statue depicts none other than the legendary Jackie Robinson, an iconic figure in American history. Erected in 2017, this larger-than-life sculpture serves as a powerful testament to Robinson’s tremendous impact on the world of sports and society as a whole.

Jackie Robinson’s journey to becoming the first African American to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) is well-known. Born on January 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia, Robinson faced numerous challenges and adversities throughout his life. However, his incredible talent, resilience, and unwavering determination propelled him to become a symbol of hope and a catalyst for change in the fight against racial discrimination.

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The statue, located in the heart of the city’s historic district, was commissioned by the City of Wichita and sculpted by local artist, Lisa Crowder. Standing at an impressive 10 feet tall, the bronze statue captures Robinson in his iconic batting stance, poised to take on the challenges that awaited him both on and off the field. The attention to detail in the sculpture is a testament to Crowder’s skill and dedication to accurately capturing Robinson’s likeness and spirit.