Scope
narrowed in Pilfered Pirate probe
by Kim
Fickett
Landmark reporter
While no suspects have been publicly named by the Platte
City Police Department in the case of the Pilfered Pirate,
Detective Dennis Trabue stated interviews among the senior
class at Platte County R-3 High School have narrowed the
scope of suspects.
"The whole senior class has been interviewed by
the school resource officer," stated Trabue. "The
interviews narrowed the scope in the investigation but
didn't point at one individual responsible. The kids are
remaining very quiet."
Trabue stated that the police department did give a polygraph
test to one of the students believed to have been involved
in the theft, but that no additional information was gained
as a result of the test.
"We're following up on this investigation as we
would any other criminal matter and we haven't placed
any additional attention on this investigation than we
would have any other," explained Trabue.
Trabue stated that the department would like the public
to relay any additional information that may be valuable
to the investigation.
"We don't have any additional leads at this time,
but anytime someone has additional information we will
definitely follow up on it," said Trabue.
As the investigation proceeds, Trabue stated that the
district still desires to pursue prosecution in the theft
of the Pirate.
The eight-foot-tall, 700-1,000 pound wood-carved Pirate
was stolen from the high school lobby between 8:30 p.m.,
Saturday, March 23 and 10 a.m., Sunday, March 24. Police
say there was no sign of forced entry.
Sources stated the gym floor was gouged when the Pirate
was dragged from the lobby to a rear door.
The Pirate was retrieved by school district personnel
several days later at an undisclosed location. Damage
included the knob of the Pirate's staff being broken off,
scratches and chips in the wood of the structure.
The statue was believed to have been carved around 1974
by John Faust, an art teacher at the high school, with
help from some students.
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