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Runaway gorilla? Man wants massive lawn ornament returned
Published Sunday, July 12
By Jebb Johnston
Staff Writer
The Daniel family wants its gorilla back.
About two weeks ago, an estimated 300-pound fiberglass gorilla -- a decorative lawn item of sorts -- went missing from the lawn of the home of James and Pat Daniel on East Shiloh Road.
It's not just any runaway gorilla. It was a Christmas gift to James Daniel from his wife, and it has been putting a smile on the faces of motorists passing by as its attire and position in the yard changed from time to time.
The community had even gotten playfully involved. On Cinco de Mayo, Daniel said someone -- unbeknownst to him -- put a sombrero on the gorilla.
Ralph Dance, detective captain with the Corinth Police Department, drives by the residence on the way to work each day.
"It kind of brightened my day when I saw that gorilla," he said. "It was fun to see how they would have it dressed up, and it was kind of like 'Where's Waldo?' the way they moved it around in the yard. It's a shame this man is trying to bring a little joy to others and somebody wants to take off with it."
Daniel explained that the gorilla was a Christmas gift from his wife after it caught his eye at a business on Highway 72 between Corinth and Memphis.
Daniel said they have had fun dressing up the big ape and enjoyed the community feedback. He had a new outfit planned for the gorilla for Independence Day, but it wasn't to be.
Dance said it would take at least two and probably three people to move the heavy, bulky lawn decoration. Among the obstacles they had to deal with is a fence surrounding the lawn and the heavy traffic of Shiloh Road -- not to mention hauling it away.
Daniel ran an ad with a photo of the gorilla in the newspaper's classifieds encouraging the voluntary return of his "pet." He said he thought he had a good lead on its whereabouts, but it didn't pan out.
"I was hoping somebody was playing a little trick and would bring it back on their own," he said.
Dance said the police department has looked into the theft but has no leads.
An opportunity is being offered to return the gorilla with no prosecution. Dance said if someone contacts the police department and tells them where the gorilla can be found, there will be no further inquiry.
Otherwise, the investigation will continue, and the penalty for the likely prank could be serious. The value of the gorilla is beyond the $500 threshold for a felony offense, and a charge of grand larceny could be filed. That could lead to a sentence of up to 10 years in the state penitentiary and a $10,000 fine.
Tips about this case may be reported to the detectives division at 286 1339 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi at 1-800-773-tips or online at csnems.com.
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