The St. Petersburg Police Department continues to seek the second suspect involved in a high-stakes art heist at the Duncan McClellan Gallery. The incident, which occurred on November 11, 2024, saw two men executing a calculated theft of "Torso XI," a cast glass sculpture by artist Latchezar Boyadjiev worth nearly $21,000. While one suspect, 45-year-old Willie Wilson, has been apprehended and charged as of January 7th, the other remains at large, according to WFLA News.
Surveillance footage captured the man who actually took the sculpture from the gallery, which was situated at 2342 Emerson Ave. S. Entering at 2:22 p.m., the suspects employed a diversionary tactic; the man not yet caught was seen engaging a display shelf, secretly tucking the valuable sculpture under his clothing while his counterpart distracted the sales associate. The St. Petersburg Police have released this video in hopes of identifying the second man, who was last observed sporting a baggy ensemble and carrying a shoulder bag, FOX 13 News reports.
Officers took Wilson into custody, and he now faces charges as a principal to grand theft greater than $20,000 but less than $100,000. Nonetheless, the arrest has yet to bring the case to a full resolution as the search for his alleged partner continues. The Duncan McClellan Gallery staff didn't discover the missing artwork until after the culprits had left the premises, leaving the police to rely on the public for assistance in identifying the second thief.
Police are actively encouraging anyone with relevant information on the second suspect, who wore a dark-colored shoulder bag slung around his neck, an oversized blue T-shirt, and baggy jeans to come forward. The man's last known appearance, capped off with a baseball hat and sneakers, was detailed by the authorities. "Anyone with information about the suspect is urged to contact the St. Petersburg Police Department," states Tampa Free Press. Tips can be submitted by calling 727-893-7780 or texting SPPD followed by the tip to TIP411.
