Historic jade stolen from Pacific Grove gallery
PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. (KION) Security cameras capture every corner of Artisana Gallery in downtown Pacific Grove.
Gallery owner, Adrianne Jonson, said she didn't see the moment when someone stole a valuable jade stone from her shelf, but her cameras captured the crime. "You don't dream of something like that happening. It was our worst nightmare come true," said Jonson.
After filing through hours of security footage from Saturday, June 20, Jonson identified a suspect.
"He walked up to the stone, drapped his scarf over the top of item, tucked it under his arm, walked quickly out the door and it was gone," said Jonson.
The stolen jade holds meaning on the Central Coast. It's the work of Big Sur diver, Don Wobber. Before passing in 2015, Wobber dedicated his life to diving for jade. "He was a pioneer in his field. It's a priceless, irreplaceable, piece of artwork that was stolen from us," said Jonson.
Others have tried to steal jade from Pacific Grove before. In December 2018, a group attempted to steal a stone from a Monterey Bay Aquarium administrative office, but failed.
Police are investigating the theft at Artisana Gallery. A detective told KION the suspect could face felony charges for stealing the $1,300 item.
Anyone with information, is encouraged to contacted the Pacific Grove Police Department at (831) 760-0609.
