Authorities searched Wednesday for the missing half of a beloved statue and the vandals who stole it from a Redlands park.
Police were notified that the "Widows and Orphans" statue at Jennie Davis Park on Redlands Boulevard and New York Street had been vandalized on Saturday afternoon, according to Carl Baker, a spokesperson for the city of Redlands.
The statue honors service members, "and especially the families left behind, particularly those of service members who lost their lives in service to their country," Baker said.
The artwork depicts a widow and orphan. On Saturday, the widow portion was found to be missing from the statue.
"The Widows and Orphans statue is a significant monument to our community," Baker said. "The theft and vandalism of this particular statue is particularly painful to members of our community, especially to veterans and their families."
Baker added that some members of the community are working to raise money to repair or replace the damaged statue.
Anyone with information is asked to call 909-315-4943 or to email tmartinez@redlandspolice.org.
