Detroit police announced on Friday that a bronze statue of a Tuskegee airman, Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson, has been recovered after it was stolen from Rouge Park earlier in the week. The 600-pound statue was reported missing on Wednesday, and investigators believe it was sawed off at the ankles sometime during the night on Tuesday or early Wednesday morning.
Mayor Mike Duggan shared with reporters that officers were able to track down the stolen statue by canvassing the neighborhood and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses. The footage revealed a large rental truck leaving the area, prompting officers to contact the rental company. The GPS on the truck led them to a suspect who was allegedly involved in other robberies. The suspect was apprehended in real-time, confessed to the theft of the statue, and two arrests were made in connection to the incident.
Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson was a distinguished member of the Red Tails, an all-Black air fighter squadron during World War II. He was shot down and held as a prisoner of war before returning to Detroit, where he later became an educator and played a pivotal role in forming the Tuskegee Airmen chapter in the city.
The statue of Jefferson was unveiled in June to honor his legacy and service. It was placed in a plaza in Rouge Park, an area where Jefferson used to fly model airplanes. The park had already been named after him, and he was celebrated by the city on his 100th birthday in 2021. Jefferson passed away in 2022, leaving behind a legacy of heroism and dedication to his community.
Mayor Duggan expressed gratitude for Jefferson’s service and the impact he had on Detroit, emphasizing the importance of honoring his contributions. The recovery of the stolen statue brings closure to the community and ensures that Jefferson’s memory will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.
