(WNY News Now) – In the early hours of October 14, 2024, a Jamestown man was arrested for causing significant damage to a local landmark.

Jamestown, N.Y. – At approximately 4:03 AM on October 14, 2024, officers from the Jamestown Police Department’s 3rd Platoon were conducting routine patrols near the viaduct in Brooklyn Square when they were alerted to a loud banging noise. Upon investigation, officers discovered Tony J. Stebbins, a 37-year-old resident of Jamestown, near the bronze canoe statue located in the park adjacent to the river.

Authorities found that Stebbins had been using a sledgehammer to strike the statue, inflicting substantial damage to its legs. The bronze canoe statue, a well-known symbol of the area, has an estimated value of over $1,500. Due to the extent of the damage, Stebbins was charged with Felony Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree.

Following his arrest, Stebbins was transported to the Jamestown City Jail, where he is currently being held pending arraignment in Jamestown City Court. As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.