Detroit police are offering a $5,000 reward for information regarding the theft of a World War II hero statue at Rouge Park.
The statue was placed in the park this summer to honor retired Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson, a Tuskegee Airman and lifelong Detroiter.
Authorities say they believe the 600 lb statue was stolen to scrap.
Jefferson was part of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military pilots in the U.S. He served in World War II as a P-51 fighter pilot, flying 18 missions before being shot down and held as a prisoner of war in Poland for eight months in 1944-45. He was released and had a stellar career as a teacher and vice principal in Detroit. He also helped found a Tuskegee Airman chapter of former pilots.
“We are deeply saddened and disheartened by the theft of the statue of my grandfather from the park. This statue has stood not just as a piece of art, but as a symbol of our community’s history, values, and collective memory. To many, it represents a cherished reminder of our shared past and the lessons we carry forward. This act of theft goes beyond vandalism; it is a loss to everyone who found meaning, connection, and pride in that statue and the heroic actions of the Tuskegee Airmen. We ask that anyone with information come forward to help us restore this important symbol to its rightful place.
Despite this unfortunate event, we remain united as a community. We will not allow this incident to diminish the pride we feel in our shared heritage,” said Jefferson’s granddaughter, Ernestine Lave.
Anyone with information about the stolen statue is urged to contact Detroit police or crime stoppers.
