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Editor's Note: It was originally reported that the theft occurred Monday, but the theft occurred Saturday. The changed is reflected in the story below.SALT LAKE CITY — Thieves took off with several parts of a prominent symbol of the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics Saturday, police said.
The Hoberman Arch — an iconic structure featured during the medals ceremonies and concerts that changed shape and colors — was being stored at the Salt Lake City Impound Lot. It was moved from its former home at Rice-Eccles Stadium this summer.
Around 1:20 Saturday afternoon, witnesses reported seeing a man in a small white pickup truck loading up several large pieces of metal at the lot, which is located at 2350 W. 500 South, according to Salt Lake City Police Sgt. Robin Heiden.
One of the posts was recovered after it fell out of the back of the vehicle as the two attempted to get away, Heiden said.
The man — estimated to be around 30 years old — was wearing a plaid shirt and a black knit cap, police said. A woman wearing a red sweatshirt was driving the truck used in the theft, which was last spotted heading westbound on 500 South, police said.
Heiden did not know Monday how the man got into the impound lot or whether a security guard was working at the time.
The arch is 36 feet high, 72 feet wide and made out of 4,000 individual pieces. It was moved from the University of Utah to make room for game-day activities, according to university officials.
Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call Salt Lake City police at 801-799-3000.
Contributing: Pat Reavy
