Update 11:20 a.m. on 4/18/22 — San Antonio police said Monday that three gold medals stolen from a USA Paralympian’s vehicle were found at a West Side fire station.
A bag with the medals was discovered just after 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. No suspect has been identified and the investigation remains active, according to SAPD.
The medals were reported stolen Saturday evening after Paralympian Jen Lee’s vehicle was burglarized at The Rim Shopping Center. The incident was captured on the vehicle’s security system.
Lee is a three-time Paralympic medalist with the U.S. Sled Hockey team.
Police said they are still in possession of the medals as they try to check for finger prints.
Previous story:
A backpack containing three gold medals stolen from a USA Paralympian’s vehicle during a burglary on Saturday night has been recovered, according to San Antonio Police Chief William McManus.
It’s currently unknown if the suspect, a man in his 30s or 40s, is in police custody.
Well, that didn’t take long… looks like we recovered the the backpack with the medals!! More on that tomorrow.
— Chief Bill McManus (@Chief_McManus) April 18, 2022
Paralympian Jen Lee’s vehicle was broken into Saturday evening around 7:15 p.m. at The Rim Shopping Center.
He took to Twitter Sunday, sharing surveillance video that captured the crime. Police said the suspect approached the vehicle, gained access and took off with Lee’s backpack in hand, which contained three gold medals.
The man reportedly ran from the scene in an unknown direction. No one was inside of the vehicle at the time of the burglary, according to SAPD.
Lee shared the video on social media in hopes of “getting the word out in any way possible.”
Around 7:15pm today at the The Rim in San Antonio, TX my car was broken into by this guy and he took the bag containing all 3 of my Paralympic gold medals 🥇 🥇 🥇 🥺 Asking for help getting them back n getting the word out in any way possible 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/HuvwPjPxzY
— Horitius Jen Lee (@LifeofaLW) April 17, 2022
It wasn’t long before Chief McManus saw the post and confirmed the police department was working the case.
“This can’t stand,” McManus said in a tweet.
He also asked for the public’s help in identifying the suspect.
Anyone recognize this individual? Pls let us know. I’ve sent the video to our Fusion Center. We’ll try to ID. This can’t stand! pic.twitter.com/6boB10RT0q
— Chief Bill McManus (@Chief_McManus) April 17, 2022
At last check, the medals have not yet been returned to Lee. Chief McManus said more information on the theft would be released Monday.
This is a developing story and we’ll bring more updates as they become available.