SEDGWICK COUNTY — A suspect accused in the theft of a priceless fixture in a Wichita community park made his first court appearance Tuesday.
Gordon Pierce III, 37 of Wichita, was charged with theft, aggravated criminal damage to property, and possession of paraphernalia for use, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.
On April 3, 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. This cannon was gifted to the City in 1900 and is a priceless fixture in the community.
The investigation led to the identification of a 37-year-old male suspect identified as Pierce who was arrested in the 2300 block of N Amidon without incident.
Pierce remains in the Sedgwick County Jail on a $200,000 bond. His is scheduled to return to court on April 21, according to the district attorney's office.