Sir Francis Drake Sculpture Vandalized In Marin County

MARIN COUNTY, CA — The Sir Francis Drake sculpture in Larkspur was vandalized Wednesday evening, authorities announced.

Police said that at about 8:50 p.m. Wednesday, witnesses saw a man crouching with a tool cutting the base of the sculpture. The 30-foot tall metal sculpture was cut at the base of the flag standard on the west side of the statue, according to Central Marin Police Authority.

"The motion of the tool was giving off sparks and that initially drew the witnesses' attention," police said.

Officers responded and searched the area but did not find the suspect.

The suspect was last seen walking toward the ferry terminal. He was described as a white male adult with brown hair, wearing a dark shirt and shorts and carrying a backpack.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information about the incident was asked to call Cpl. Cheryl Paris at 415-927-5150.

The dollar value of the damage has not yet been determined.

A group of protesters rallied Wednesday in Larkspur in support of the removal of the Sir Francis Drake sculpture and also advocated for the renaming of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard that extends throughout Marin County.

The protest was organized by the Tam Equity Campaign, a Marin-based nonprofit advocating for the removal of the statue and renaming of the road because it was named after Sir Francis Drake, a widely known slave trader.

• Read more: Protestors Seek Removal Of Sir Francis Drake Statue In Marin