BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — The Big Rapids Police Department says officers recovered a beloved piece of art that was stolen out of downtown earlier this month.
A painted turtle sculpture was taken outside of Artworks in Big Rapids around 3:30 a.m. on Oct. 15. Police believe two people were involved in the theft.
Authorities previously shared surveillance photos of a truck believed to be involved.
Saturday evening, a hunter in Montcalm County told police he spotted the turtle in a ditch on Dagget Road near the Little Muskegon River.
Officers were able to find the turtle about 20 feet off the road in some thick brush.
Police said there was only minor damage to the turtle, and they brought it back to the department.
Authorities still need help tracking down the person responsible for stealing the sculpture and then leaving it behind in a ditch.
Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt. Scott Paquette at 231-527-0005.
"We would like to thank all of you for your help in locating the turtle! Also, thank you to the Montcalm County Sheriff's Office for your assistance," the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety said.
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