Machine gun stolen from South Milford WWI monument

A decommissioned 1895 Colt machine gun was stolen from its display case on SR 3 in South Milford during the overnight hours of October 28 through October 29. The weapon was part of a WWI monument at SR 3 and E CR 750 S, according to the LaGrange County Sheriff's Department.

The machine gun, encased in glass, was next to another WWI monument. That monument includes a bell that cracked while ringing out news of the signing of the armistice in 1918, according to the sheriff's department.

The monuments, erected in 1923, are cared for by the Community League.

Deputies said overnight someone backed a vehicle off CR750 S, broke the glass encasement and stole the machine gun.

Deputies are examining evidence collected at the scene.

"It’s very disrespectful to the men and women that are fighting today and have historically fought for this country. To dishonor their name and what they’ve done for this country is just shameful and disrespectful," said La Grange County Sheriff Jeff Campos.

The vehicle involved may have damage to a rear end or bumper from striking a post at the scene, according to the sheriff's office.

If you have any information in this case, contact the LaGrange County Sheriff's Department at 260-463-7491.

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