Downtown Boston Sculpture Vandalized: Police Report
A striking sculpture in downtown Boston, named “Alouette” and designed to resemble a space satellite that crashed onto a car, fell victim to vandalism when an unknown person tore the replica satellite off the hood of the vehicle and dragged it before fleeing the scene, according to police reports. The incident occurred around 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday on Washington Street in Downtown Crossing.
Witnesses described the suspect as wearing a black face covering, a black and white hat, a black puffer jacket, and tan work boots. The vandal’s actions resulted in the breaking of the bracket for the satellite and stripping of the mount on the hood where it was attached, leaving the sculpture damaged.
Artist Brandon Vickerd, the creator of “Alouette,” expressed his surprise at the incident, noting that the replica satellite weighs between 150 and 200 pounds and is secured to the frame of the car with a metal armature. Vickerd speculated that the vandal must have been well-prepared and motivated to carry out such an act, suggesting that their motive may have been to claim the artwork for personal use.
The sculpture is part of the Downtown Boston Alliance’s WINTERACTIVE exhibit, which features over 15 displays throughout the city until March 30. Vickerd mentioned that “Alouette” has received a positive response from the public in Boston, with numerous viral online videos and reactions showcasing the artwork’s popularity. The Downtown Boston Alliance, with the assistance of the police, is currently working on restoring and repairing the damaged sculpture to reinstall it by the end of the week.
Despite reviewing camera footage of the incident, authorities have not provided any updates on the investigation as of Sunday. The community remains hopeful that the perpetrator will be identified and brought to justice to ensure the safety and preservation of public art in the city.
As Molly Farrar, a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, continues to cover the story, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any information related to the vandalism of “Alouette.” The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting and cherishing public art for the enjoyment and enrichment of all.
