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Police are on the hunt for a missing historical plaque once placed on the front of the home of Fresno icon William Saroyan. Investigators are also in search for the suspects accused of stealing it. The home is off Griffith Way in Northwest Fresno. Saroyan lived in the house the last 17 years of his life.
Since then, the house has gone through foreclosure and multiple tenants. But one thing had always remained- a plaque dedicating the house as a historical landmark.
The new owners of the house said they believe the plaque may have been stolen sometime this week. The new owners and Fresno Police allege the plaque may have been stolen for the metal.
Jo Ellen Misakian is the Chair of the William Saroyan Society. She said, "It’s such a shame isn’t it? I can’t believe somebody would take something like this!"
Besides his writings, Misakian said the house is one of the last tangible pieces tied to Saroyan.
"It symbolizes to us that he lived in Fresno. And fresno should be very proud that he’s one of our native sons, our most famous really," exclaimed Misakian.
She doesn’t understand who would want the plaque, bearing Saroyan’s name and works. Misakian said, "I think that he would be very sad," about the stolen plaque.
Sergeant Greg Noll with the Fresno Police Department said, "We’ve seen an increase, well, throughout the nation, law enforcement has seen an increase of thefts related to copper wire. Anything copper related, because of the value that it holds when they recycle it."
But Fresno metal recycling yard Brunos Iron & Metal LP said the culprits didn’t walk away with much.
Nick Tosi, one of the managers of Brunos said, "The plaque is most likely gonna be brass. Typically plaques of that nature are, and it’s gonna be a yellow brass which does have copper in it, which gives it a little bit more of a value, but not quite as high of a value as pure copper."
Misakian wishes the society could have purchased the home, but she said they didn’t have the funding. Though the plaque may not have a large monetary value, she said it means so much to those who loved him.
"It’s just a shame that somebody comes along and takes something that indicates his legacy… and just, for what? It’s not worth that much I’m sure to them," said Misakian.
The new owners of the house said they are hoping for the plaque to be returned, however plans are in to eventually replace it.
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