Police have arrested a 45-year-old man in connection with the theft and destruction of a cherished Jackie Robinson statue in Kansas. However, authorities state they do not suspect his actions were driven by hate.
The Wichita Police Department has announced that Ricky Alderete is facing four criminal charges, including felony theft and aggravated criminal damage to property. Authorities allege that he stole the renowned JR monument from outside a youth baseball facility last month and subsequently set it ablaze, reducing it to rubble.
Authorities said their investigation uncovered Alderete’s motive was to profit from selling the metal scraps of the figurine. Additionally, officials suggest there may be additional individuals involved in the crime.
The police said;
“Our detectives remain committed to gathering information to identify and charge all individuals involved in the theft and destruction of the Jackie Robinson statue.
“The WPD extends its gratitude to the community for their support, patience, and information related to this case.”
City officials have already said they plan to replace the Robinson sculpture with another one in the near future.
A GoFundMe put in place to raise money for the eventual replacement statue has garnered more than $194,000.