A Kansas man reportedly stole an 800-pound historic cannon from a local park for drug money, according to newly released court documents.
According to an arrest affidavit, as reported by KAKE News, a man named Gordon Pierce III, aged 37, confessed to Wichita police that he felt his life was threatened after a drug dealer accused him of owing money. This fear drove him to steal a cannon to get money.
The affidavit explains that Pierce informed officers about his intentions to find copper statues as a means to gather funds for the debt, eventually discovering the 800-pound cannon on April 2nd.
Pierce reportedly admitted to officers about his 20-year history of meth use, revealing that he approached his dealer who then provided him with a pound of meth. However, Pierce was uneasy with the quantity since he felt incapable of selling it.
The Wichita Police Department said several weapons were recovered from the scene. (Wichita Police Department)
He allegedly told police he chose the cannon because it was in a dark area; a detective said Pierce did not have a specific plan to sell the cannon pieces since he did not have an ID, which is typically required to sell scrap materials.
Police said they followed indentations in the road that were allegedly caused by Pierce dragging the cannon to his friend’s house, where he told officers where to find him.
Officers allegedly found a clear baggie of a white crystal-like substance on Pierce during his arrest, which he told police was methamphetamine.
He remains in the Sedgwick County Jail on charges of theft of property, aggravated criminal damage to property and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond is set at $200,000. Pierce also waived his preliminary hearing and is set for arraignment on May 22.
Historians told KSN the cannon is “irreplaceable.”
“This cannon was gifted to the City in 1900 and is a priceless fixture in our community,” Wichita police said in an update on the department’s Facebook page.
“This swift investigation shows our dedication to holding individuals responsible when they victimize our community.”
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com
