San Jose police release new video showing theft of Vietnamese memorial statue at community garden

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- San Jose police and city leaders are continuing their search for at least two suspects involved in the theft of part of a memorial at the Vietnamese Heritage Community Garden after a bronze statue was stolen and later recovered.

The theft targeted the "Thank You America Memorial," a monument honoring the relationship between South Vietnamese and American soldiers and recognizing the United States' acceptance of Vietnamese refugees. A 1,500-pound bronze statue of a South Vietnamese soldier was stolen during the incident, damaging the memorial.

"It's extremely hurtful to see someone who didn't think about the consequences and how it really hurt the Vietnamese community," San Jose City Councilmember Bien Doan said.

The memorial depicts two soldiers, one South Vietnamese and one American. Made of bronze, the monument weighed hundreds of pounds and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

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Councilmember Bien Doan said the damage extended beyond the physical destruction of the memorial.

"The statue meant everything of how we are grateful for this country and all these soldiers, from the Vietnamese to the American soldiers, who risked their lives to fight for our freedom. It was so hurtful to see the videotape," Doan said.

Police said they recently recovered infrared surveillance footage showing the theft, which occurred early on the morning of June 21. Despite damage to electrical equipment at the site, investigators obtained video that they say shows suspects cutting through a fence to enter the property.

According to police, the suspects stole the statue, flags and an urn. Investigators said the thieves used a stolen commercial truck to drag the Vietnamese soldier statue from the garden. The statue was later recovered about a half-mile away.

Police are unsure whether or not the statue was stolen for its bronze or for hate.

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"At this point in time, we don't have any evidence to suggest either. However, our detectives are very diligent. And if there are the elements that meet a hate crime, we will most certainly work hand-in-hand with the district attorney to ensure that those charges are added to the suspect when we get there. But we're taking this just as serious as if it was a hate crime," San Jose Police Department Sgt. Jorge Garibay said.

As the investigation continues, both soldier statues have been removed from the garden.

Doan said fundraising efforts to restore the memorial will begin soon because of its significance to the Vietnamese community.

"We want to make sure that San Jose and the United States know that we are grateful for allowing us to be here. We will not tolerate this in San Jose or any part inside United States," Doan said.

Police said the surveillance video is not clear and are asking nearby residents to review security camera footage that may help identify the suspects. Anyone with information is urged to contact the San Jose Police Department.