oddly enough

oddly enough

Bronze bust of JFK stolen from Arizona park

TUCSON, Ariz.

Someone has stolen a life-size bronze bust of John F. Kennedy that’s been on display for decades at a downtown Tucson park, city officials said last week.

Officials said the bust that depicts JFK wearing a coat and tie was ripped clean off its granite base at Presidio Plaza. The bust measures 1 foot, 8 inches in height. Together with the base, it stood about 6 feet tall.

A city parks employee discovered the headless pedestal and reported it to officials.

El Presidio Park is equipped with live surveillance cameras that don’t record, so the theft wasn’t captured on video.

The bust originally was unveiled Nov. 22, 1964, exactly one year after Kennedy’s assassination. It cost $1,000 and was paid for by the Pima County Democratic party, the Arizona Daily Star reported. The bust was removed in 1968 during construction of the park. It was returned in 1971.

Though thieves do steal bronze statues to cash in on the raw materials, it might be difficult to turn a profit on this particular piece, said Mary Ellen Wooten, public-art program manager for the Tucson Pima Arts Council.

“It’s difficult when you have a sculpture of somebody this recognizable,” she told the Star. “You’d think somebody would be suspicious” if the thief tried to sell it to them.

Wooten speculated the person or people responsible for lifting the 35th president’s bust might have wanted it for personal reasons and won’t attempt to peddle it.

A police report has been made, and area metal shops have been informed.

“It’s something that belongs to all of us and should be returned,” Wooten said.

Pima County Democratic Party Chairman Don Jorgensen called the theft “disappointing and disrespectful.” He said the party donated the sculpture to provide the people of Tucson a means to honor Kennedy’s legacy.

“We sincerely hope those responsible will do the right thing and return the piece undamaged,” Jorgensen said.

Job applicant stole from tip jar, Rehoboth Beach police say

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.

Police say a woman applying for a job at a Delaware restaurant stole money from a tip jar.

Rehoboth Beach police say the woman filled out an application at Five Guys recently, then took about $15 from two separate jars.

Police say a review of the application and surveillance footage led to the arrest of 44-year-old Melissa Brittingham.

WXDE-FM reports that Brittingham later pleaded guilty to a theft charge and received one year’s probation.

Brittingham also must pay a $500 fine and court costs.

Associated Press