Veterans bell in McEuen Park plaza damaged by vandals over the weekend

Coeur d’Alene police are investigating the vandalism of the bell in the Veterans Memorial Plaza at McEuen Park, which occurred late Saturday night or early Sunday morning.

The bell weighs about 300 pounds, and it fractured when it crashed to the pavement. One or more vandals appear to have rocked the bell and the post holding it in a frame until the frame broke, city officials said.

The damage is estimated at $15,000 and it’s not clear whether the bell can be repaired.

Police have released a security camera image of a person of interest who was in the area near the bell between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Saturday. People who were walking in the area and might have seen something suspicious are asked to contact police.

The bell was a gift to the city from the family of local veteran Jim Shepherd in the 1940s or the 1950s, said Sam Taylor, deputy city administrator. The bell was refurbished before it was erected in McEuen Park. Before it was moved to its current location, the bell was part of a veterans memorial at Third and Front avenues.

The plaza is the site of an annual Veterans Day celebration.

People who have information about the incident can call the Coeur d’Alene Police Department tip line at (208) 769-2296.