Overview

• The 800-pound cannon, forged in 1794 and installed in Wichita's Central Riverside Park in 1901, was stolen on April 2 and later found dismembered in multiple locations.
• Pierce, a decades-long meth user, told police he stole the cannon to settle a $20,000 debt to his drug dealer, who had threatened to harm him and his family.
• Police traced drag marks from the park to a friend's garage, where parts of the cannon were recovered; the remaining pieces were found in Pierce's vehicle.
• The cannon, considered irreplaceable and valued at over $100,000, suffered significant damage, with restoration plans yet to be determined.
• Pierce is currently held in Sedgwick County Jail on theft and related charges, with bond set at $200,000 and an arraignment scheduled for May 22.