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Police investigate theft of statue in Strickland Park in Knoxville
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Police investigate theft of statue in Strickland Park in Knoxville

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A bronze statue was stolen from a park located between the Burlington and Chilhowee Hills neighborhoods on Knoxville’s east side.

The Knoxville Police Department is investigating the recent theft, which officials believe occurred between July 14 and Aug. 1. The statue depicts two children reading on a bench at Thomas “Tank” Strickland Park, near the Burlington Branch Library on Asheville Highway.

The artwork, which was donated by Town Hall East, was reported missing on August 5.

The statue had been in the park since it was unveiled in 2010. The park is named for the late Strickland, a longtime community advocate and former Knox County commissioner who also served under four Knoxville mayors as the city’s community relations director, according to the city.

Detectives searched the area around the park for evidence this week and identified cameras that may have captured the robbery on video, Knoxville police spokesman Scott Erland told Knox News.

“At this time, detectives have not identified any notable evidence, cameras or video that may prove helpful in the investigation,” Erland said. “The statue is extremely unique and detectives continue to actively investigate the theft.”

Authorities are asking community members to help find the statue and identify who is responsible.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the East Tennessee Valley Crime Prevention Hotline at 865-215-7165. Tips can be given anonymously and there is a possibility of a cash reward for information leading to the recovery of the statue or an arrest.

Angela Dennis is Knox News’ race, justice and equity reporter. Email [email protected].

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