45-Year-Old Man Arrested, Allegedly Stole, Destroyed Jackie Robinson Statue

A forty five-year-old man is now in police custody after cops declare he stole and destroyed a beloved Jackie Robinson statue in Kansas … however authorities say they imagine his actions have been NOT motivated by hate.

Based on the Wichita Police Division, Ricky Alderete has been hit with 4 legal costs — together with felony theft and aggravated legal injury to property — after authorities say he nabbed the famed JR monument from exterior a youth baseball facility late final month after which burnt it down to a pile of rubble.

Cops say their investigation revealed Alderete dedicated the act with a purpose to money in on the figurine’s metallic scraps.

Officers added they imagine there is likely to be extra people concerned within the crime.

“Our detectives remain committed to gathering information to identify and charge all individuals involved in the theft and destruction of the Jackie Robinson statue,” cops mentioned in a press release Tuesday. “The WPD extends its gratitude to the community for their support, patience, and information related to this case.”

Metropolis officers, in the meantime, have already mentioned they plan to interchange the Robinson sculpture with one other one within the close to future.