Brass medallions stolen from Veterans Memorial Park

Four brass medallions were recently removed from a walkway at Veterans Memorial Park in Desert Hot Springs, but the extent of what was stolen didn’t resonate until Tuesday’s Veterans Day ceremony.

According to Mayor Adam Sanchez, a veteran who works for the city reported the missing medallions a few weeks ago when he was at the park, located at 10101 Palm Drive.

We spoke to Sgt. Paiz with the Desert Hot Springs Police Department Tuesday afternoon. He he said the medallions were never reported stolen to his department and officers are now looking into the crime.

Mayor Sanchez said the medallions that were stolen represent four different service branches of the U.S. Military: Army, Navy, Air Force and the Coast Guard.

News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 were at Tuesday’s event, and the only remaining medallion was the one representing the Marines.

The four empty spaces in the walkway were evident on Veterans Day as hundreds began gathering at the park to honor those who have fought to defend our freedom.

Mayor Sanchez said a nonprofit group has pledged to replace the medallions. The monetary value of the medallions is unknown at this time.

News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 will provide more information as soon as its available.