Kansas Crimestoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of a life-sized Jackie Robinson statue, which was taken from a youth league field in Wichita on January 25.
CNN reported that the organization is offering an additional $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest. The League 42 nonprofit raised more than $50,000 to create a statue honoring the Black baseball star.
The foundation founded in honor of Robinson is a “youth baseball league comprised primarily of urban children ages 5-14,” according to its website. Robinson, the first Black player in Major League Baseball, wore number 42 throughout his professional career.
After being enlisted into the Army, Robinson was released in 1944. He began his career with the Kansas City Monarchs of the American Negro League and later became the first Black player in major league baseball.
Following the theft, authorities posted images of the crime scene. The photographs revealed that only the statue’s ankle area remained after it was stolen.
According to Wichita City Council member Brandon Johnson, the statue of the baseball hero and Civil Rights leader “was a symbol of hope” in the city. “It means a lot, and it’s unfortunate that someone broke in around midnight and stole it,” Johnson said, adding that the crime breaks his “heart for all of those kids, parents, and coaches.”
Johnson expressed optimism that the stolen monument would be found soon. “Our police department has been working day and night to make sure we find out who did this,” Johnson added.
The council member stated that the public and local businesses have supported investigations by submitting camera footage. Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan expressed frustration with those who removed a statue of Jackie Robinson from a park where children, families, and community members gathered to learn about the American icon and play baseball. This should offend everyone.”
“What bothers me even more is that the incident happened right before Black History Month began in February. “Our city wants the statue returned,” Sullivan said.