ST. PETERSBURG, FL (WFLA) — Cops in St. Petersburg finally have their hands on the video they have been waiting for that could help crack the case of an art heist.
Surveillance cameras are all over the place in downtown St. Petersburg. What the alleged art theft suspect did not realize is that he got caught on video returning a delicate design from the Chihuly collection, worth $25,000. The expensive piece was returned Tuesday at the Morean Arts Center on Central Avenue.MORE: $25K Dale Chihuly sculpture stolen from St. Pete gallery returned
The black and white footage shows the man with a cardboard box tucked under his arm. Inside the box he was carrying thousands of dollars worth of precious art in a Venetian glass design, police say. The man is then seen walking past a random guy and strikes up a brief conversation.
Detectives want to find that man and learn the contents of the chat. “The guy the suspect spoke with is not in trouble, we want to stress that. It’s like pieces to a puzzle. We got to keep piecing them together to get justice,” said Detective Brett McKean.
St. Petersburg Police continue to go through hours of surveillance footage from the gallery itself. There are roughly 28 cameras on the property, making the task of viewing the video an arduous one.
There’s a $3,000 reward for an arrest in the case. Anyone with information about the theft, text SPPD + your tip to TIP411, or call (727) 893-7780.
