A man from Kansas is facing serious charges after allegedly stealing an 800-pound historic cannon from a local park, as detailed in recent court documents. Gordon Pierce III, 37, claimed to Wichita police that he felt threatened by drug dealers who believed he owed them money, leading him to steal the cannon in a desperate attempt to repay the debt.
On the morning of April 2nd, Pierce stated he initially intended to take a copper statue but stumbled upon the cannon instead. He mentioned having a long history of substance use and highlighted his dissatisfaction with a pound of meth he had received from a dealer.
In a bizarre twist of events, Pierce recounted how he enlisted the help of a homeless man at a nearby pavilion, offering him a pipe in exchange for assistance in moving the cannon. They encountered difficulties loading it into a Chevrolet Tahoe, with Pierce even trying to tow it but failing when the chain kept breaking. Ultimately, he abandoned the cannon temporarily before visiting a friend to obtain a new chain.
After retrieving the cannon, Pierce cut it into smaller pieces to store in his friend’s garage. When he attempted to convince his drug dealer that he was on the verge of repaying him, the dealer dismissed him and made threats, which led Pierce to feel increasingly helpless. Following the incident, he sought refuge at his mother’s house to explain what had happened.
During the investigation, police noted signs of struggle related to dragging the cannon and later discovered a clear bag containing a crystalline substance during his arrest. Currently, Pierce is being held at Sedgwick County Jail on various charges, including property theft and possession of drug paraphernalia, with a bond set at $200,000. His preliminary hearing was waived, and an arrest has been scheduled for May 22nd.
Experts underscore the historical significance of the cannon, which was presented to the city in 1900 and remains an invaluable part of the community. Police have asserted their commitment to addressing such incidents swiftly, demonstrating accountability for actions that threaten community heritage.
