World War I-era cannon stolen from veterans hall returns home
A 1-ton World War I-era cannon stolen earlier this month from a veteran’s hall has been returned to its home in the Bay Area.
A Martinez man saw a news story about the stolen 105 mm cannon and realized he had purchased it for $1,200 days ago, according to the Richmond Police Department. He contacted police investigators to return the artillery piece.
“This gentleman was more than helpful and felt absolutely horrible he had inadvertently bought a stolen piece of American history,” police said in a statement.
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The cannon stood at the Veterans Memorial Hall, at 968 23rd Street in Richmond, for nearly 70 years before it was stolen in the predawn hours on May 1.
Surveillance camera captured thieves towing the 5-foot-tall iron and brass cannon in a pickup truck. The inoperable cannon stood at the location since 1947.
“This act is about stealing a piece of our country’s history, and stealing from our war veterans who fought bravely for our country and our freedom,” police said.
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