Police arrest one suspect, search for second after $21,000 glass sculpture stolen: SPPD
Jan 11, 2025
Police have arrested one man and are searching for a second who stole a $21,000 glass sculpture from an art gallery in St. Petersburg.According to the St Petersburg Police Department (SPPD), the incident happened on Nov. 11 just before 2:30 p.m. at the Duncan McClellan Gallery at 2342 Emerson Avenue South.Surveillance video provided by St. Petersburg Police shows two men walking into the gallery. According to SPPD, one of the men distracted a sales associate, while the second man in a blue shirt is seen on surveillance video tucking the glass sculpture into his pants and under his shirt. Police arrest one suspect, search for second after $21,000 glass sculpture stolen: SPPDAn employee later noticed the glass sculpture missing.According to SPPD, the art piece is a cast glass sculpture titled "Torso XI" by glass sculptor Latchezar Boyadjiev, valued at $21,000.Police arrested Willie Wilson, 45, on Jan. 7. They alleged that he was the man who distracted the employee. Wilson was charged as a principal with grand theft greater than $20,000 but less than $100,000.SPPD said they are still looking for the man who took the art piece. He was last seen wearing an oversized blue T-shirt, baggy blue jeans, a baseball cap, sneakers, and a dark-colored shoulder bag with a long strip around his neck.Police urge anyone with information on this to contact the St. Petersburg Police Department at 727-893-7780 or text SPPD + your tip to TIP411.