Deputies Recover Stolen Iconic Rudolph Statue In Gardena
ROLLING HILLS ESTATES (CBSLA.com) — An iconic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer display is headed back to Rolling Hills Estates one day after neighbors built and displayed a newly constructed statue.
Deputies said they received information Monday that led them to the 200-pound wooden statue that was found on the rooftop of a trailer home in Gardena.
The homeowner, Sandro Gonzalez, told authorities he found the display in a trash bin.
"He told detectives he was a gardener who worked in the Lomita area," Sgt. Mark Moffett said.
Gonzalez was arrested Monday night on felony charges and Rudolph was transported back to its original owners on Ranchview Road.
The statue, which has been a fixture in the community for 50 years, was stolen Dec. 12 and the statue's antlers were broken in the crime.
After the theft, missing posters were distributed, and a police report was taken.
Gonzalez, who was released from jail on $20,000 bail, was scheduled to make his first court appearance Wednesday.
RELATED STORIES:
Residents Build New Rudolph After Original Nabbed From Rolling Hills Perch
200-Pound Iconic Rudolph Statue Taken From Rolling Hills Estates
