MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Police have released a picture of the van suspected in a hit-and-run crash which damaged two statues and a bench as it struck the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art building in late October.
Memphis Police said officers responded to a call about the hit-and-run about 9:20 p.m. Oct. 28, 2023, at the museum in the 1900 block of Poplar Ave. They said no injuries were reported.
Investigators said the can was white and appeared to be a work/delivery style vehicle. It may have damage to the passenger front and side, and possibly a missing or damaged passenger side highlight.
The museum said the Wheeler Williams statues, ‘Spring’ and ‘Summer’ were badly damaged when a large van entered the plaza through a small space between a tree and series of safety posts.
"We are extremely grateful that no one was injured in this incident, particularly in light of the fact that earlier that same day, more than 3,000 people were on our plaza for our Dia De Los Muertos celebration,” said Jeff Rhodin with the museum in a statement just after the crash. “We are working closely with law enforcement to determine exactly what happened and who should be held responsible for the damage, as well as with our insurance representatives to see if the damaged sculptures are repairable. We will provide more information as it becomes available. In the meantime, we are humbled and thankful for the enormous outpouring of support we have received, both from the people of Memphis and from our peer museums around the country."
Anyone with information on the hit-and-run can call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.
