QUOTE
Bring back Bigfoot
By Chuck Biedka - VALLEY NEWS DISPATCH - June 20, 2008
Kiski Township police are asking residents to report any Bigfoot sightings they have -- as long as the hairy creature they're seeing is only 30 inches tall.
The Sasquatch that police are looking for is a wood-like carving stolen Tuesday from Niki's Quick Six in the township's Spring Church section. Far from mythical and elusive, the store's carving was a popular attraction and mascot.
"People talk about it all the time," said Stephanie Campitella, 19, the clerk who was working Tuesday when the statue was 'squatch-napped. "We have people taking a picture of it and them with it. It's a topic of conversation," she said.
She said the carving was a gift to store owner Nicole Hosack, who put it in the shop to attract attention. The carving of the beast half-turning to look back "became an immediate hit," Campitella said.
Kiski Township Police Officer Jerrod Thompson said Bigfoot walked away with help from a group of men.
While one man distracted the clerks, another man hid the statue inside his coat, he said.
"These four guys joked the first time they came in that they would take it," Campitella said. "The men returned. I saw one out of the corner of my eye with something under his jacket."
Campitella said she asked the man what he was doing and he said he was getting keys from his car. She didn't notice Bigfoot's absence until the men had gone.
Hosack said she didn't know why someone would take the statue because it is well-known in the area how much it means to the store and its patrons.
The store's outdoor sign has carried a message since Tuesday, pleading for Bigfoot's safe return. Hosack is offering a $100 reward for information leading to Bigfoot's return.
Anyone with information about the Bigfoot stolen from Niki's Quick Six is asked to call Kiski Township police at 724-478-3357.
Chuck Biedka can be reached at cbiedka@tribweb.com or 724-226-4711.
By Chuck Biedka - VALLEY NEWS DISPATCH - June 20, 2008
Kiski Township police are asking residents to report any Bigfoot sightings they have -- as long as the hairy creature they're seeing is only 30 inches tall.
The Sasquatch that police are looking for is a wood-like carving stolen Tuesday from Niki's Quick Six in the township's Spring Church section. Far from mythical and elusive, the store's carving was a popular attraction and mascot.
"People talk about it all the time," said Stephanie Campitella, 19, the clerk who was working Tuesday when the statue was 'squatch-napped. "We have people taking a picture of it and them with it. It's a topic of conversation," she said.
She said the carving was a gift to store owner Nicole Hosack, who put it in the shop to attract attention. The carving of the beast half-turning to look back "became an immediate hit," Campitella said.
Kiski Township Police Officer Jerrod Thompson said Bigfoot walked away with help from a group of men.
While one man distracted the clerks, another man hid the statue inside his coat, he said.
"These four guys joked the first time they came in that they would take it," Campitella said. "The men returned. I saw one out of the corner of my eye with something under his jacket."
Campitella said she asked the man what he was doing and he said he was getting keys from his car. She didn't notice Bigfoot's absence until the men had gone.
Hosack said she didn't know why someone would take the statue because it is well-known in the area how much it means to the store and its patrons.
The store's outdoor sign has carried a message since Tuesday, pleading for Bigfoot's safe return. Hosack is offering a $100 reward for information leading to Bigfoot's return.
Anyone with information about the Bigfoot stolen from Niki's Quick Six is asked to call Kiski Township police at 724-478-3357.
Chuck Biedka can be reached at cbiedka@tribweb.com or 724-226-4711.
