$11,000 Reward Offered In Vandalism Of Mural Of Slain Philadelphia Police Sgt. Robert Wilson III
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - An $11,000 reward is now being offered for information leading to an arrest in the vandalism of a mural honoring Philadelphia police officer Sgt. Robert Wilson III. The mural at 60th Street and Baltimore Avenue was defaced over the weekend.
Vandals spray-painted the acronyms "ACAB" and "FTP" which are two anti-police slogans, as well as a symbol used by anarchists.
The Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police announced Sunday they were offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the incident. Since then two more donors have stepped in, increasing the total reward to $11,000.
FOP President John McNesby tweeted Sunday morning saying they were aware of the issue and are working to get it fixed.
"I'm saddened and angered that vandals would deface the mural of one of our beloved heroes, Sgt. Robert Wilson III," McNesby said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wilson family on this sad day. Wilson served our great city with passion and compassion and is sorely missed by his friends and colleagues in the Philadelphia police department. Rest easy, Robb."
We are aware of this and are getting it fixed immediately. God bless the Wilson family. @PhillyPolice @PPDCommish @PhillyMayor pic.twitter.com/UwMgjjAXkr
— John McNesby (@john_mcnesby) August 30, 2020
Wilson was shot and killed in 2015 while trying to stop a robbery inside of a GameStop at 21st Street and Lehigh Avenue. Police say he was there to buy his young son a gift.
Police say Wilson's bravery saved the lives of others inside the store.
Authorities arrested Ramone Williams and Carlton Hipps and charged them with murder. They say both men are seen on surveillance video shooting Wilson inside the store. They were sentenced to life in prison with no parole plus 50 to 100 years in 2018 in a plea deal that spared them the death penalty, angering the police union and some of the victim's family members.
Another mural honoring Wilson in the city's Strawberry Mansion section was defaced last year.
The graffiti on the mural has since been removed.
If you have any information that can help police, call 911 or 215-686-TIPS.