SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect in connection with the theft of and damage to a priceless fixture in the Wichita community.
On Thursday afternoon, police were notified of the theft of a decorative cannon from the Spanish American War Memorial in Riverside Park in Wichita, according to Officer Brad Wright.
Wichita Police immediately notified Patrol Officers, Property Crimes Task Force Officers and Detectives. Around 5:00pm police located the cannon at a residence in the 2000 Block of N Woodland. The cannon was significantly damaged.
The investigation led to the identification of a 37-year-old male suspect identified from sheriff's booking records as Gordon Lyle Pierce of Wichita who was arrested in the 2300 block of N Amidon without incident.
Pierce was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of Felony theft, vandalism, possession of methamphetamine and warrants.
Police are working closely with City of Wichita- Government Parks and Recreation regarding this investigation. This cannon was gifted to the City in 1900 and is a priceless fixture in our community.
The facts of this case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for formal charging consideration.