PARMA, Ohio — Two young men from Valley View have been arrested and charged with felony theft for allegedly stealing a beloved flamingo statue placed in Parma in honor of a young girl with autism.
Colin Donald Deka, 20, and Jack Christopher Klamert, 21, were taken into custody after surveillance footage helped Parma police identify them as suspects. The video captured a white Ford Escape near the intersection of Broadview Road and Snow Road, where the statue had stood. Two individuals were seen loading the statue into the vehicle early Saturday.
Police tracked the vehicle to its registered owner, who confirmed his son’s involvement.
The statue, which had become a local symbol of joy and inclusion, was previously stolen in May 2024. It had just been replaced in April, following a prior theft that led to jail time for three men dubbed the “flamingo felons.”
This most recent theft left one of the flamingo’s feet still bolted to the concrete base. Thankfully, the statue has now been recovered safely.
Parma City Councilman Kevin Kussmaul shared the incident on Facebook, emphasizing the statue’s emotional significance and announcing that he and Congressman Max Miller would again help with its replacement if necessary.
Deka and Klamert were each charged with fifth-degree felony theft and are scheduled for arraignment on June 24.
