DETROIT — A 600-pound bronze statue honoring a Tuskegee airman has been recovered after it was stolen from a city park, as confirmed by the Detroit police on Friday. The statue, which commemorates Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson, was reported missing on Wednesday evening from Rouge Park, located on the far west side of Detroit.

Investigators noted that the statue appeared to have been deliberately removed, specifically sawed off at the ankles. While specific details about the recovery location and method will be provided shortly, police have yet to make any arrests related to the incident. Authorities suspect that the statue was stolen either on Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning, likely with the intent to sell the bronze for scrap metal.

Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson was part of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, renowned for their distinguished service in World War II as an all-Black pilot squadron that escorted bombers over Europe. After being shot down, he endured captivity as a prisoner of war before returning to his hometown of Detroit following his release. Later in his life, Jefferson transitioned to education, working as a teacher and vice principal, and played an instrumental role in establishing the Tuskegee Airmen chapter in Detroit.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first all-Black fighter squadron in the United States, and their training and combat experience occurred separately from their white counterparts due to the prevailing segregation policies in the military. Although their unit was based in Tuskegee, Alabama, Michigan also served as a site for advanced training during the war.

The statue of Jefferson was unveiled in June during a ceremony attended by local officials, including Mayor Mike Duggan, as well as Jefferson’s family and former students. A dedicated plaza was constructed alongside the statue. It is notable that Jefferson used to fly model airplanes in the vicinity of the park where the statue now stands, which has been named in his honor. Furthermore, the city acknowledged his contributions on his 100th birthday in 2021, and Jefferson passed away in 2022.

At the unveiling ceremony, Mayor Duggan expressed that “Lt. Col. Jefferson was a hero in every sense of the word and so richly deserves this honor. He distinguished himself as a Tuskegee Airman and prisoner of war in World War II, and again at home as a celebrated educator. The people of Detroit are deeply grateful to him for his service, and this plaza and statue is a reflection of our collective appreciation.”