On July 6, 2025, a theft at a McDonald’s in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, left locals shocked as a group of suspects brazenly stole the restaurant’s beloved Ronald McDonald statue. Surveillance footage captured four individuals entering the fast-food establishment before walking out with the iconic figure, prompting an investigation by the local police.
The Nesquehoning Police Department shared details of the incident on Facebook, calling it a “full-blown McNapping.” They urged the public to assist in identifying the suspects, who are seen in the video casually handling the statue. The post humorously stated, “We’re not clowning around,” highlighting the seriousness of the crime.
Eve Snyder, the general manager of the Nesquehoning McDonald’s, expressed her dismay about the theft in an interview with FOX Business. “I’m missing my Ronald, so I’m not too happy,” she said, noting that the statue had been part of the restaurant for 25 years. The establishment holds sentimental value for the owner, as it was the first McDonald’s he purchased.
The surveillance footage reveals a man lifting the Ronald statue while a woman wearing a “Flash” T-shirt stands nearby. Two other individuals, one in a graphic T-shirt and another in a black dress with visible tattoos, complete the group. “Ronald was last seen smiling, as usual, unaware of the betrayal,” the police’s Facebook post quipped.
Witnesses reported that the theft occurred quickly. Snyder mentioned that the suspects discussed selling the statue on Facebook Marketplace before realizing it was not secured to the wall. They seized the opportunity and exited the restaurant in about ten seconds, taking advantage of the busy lunchtime crowd.
Community reactions have been lively, with social media users making light of the situation. One Facebook user joked, “I guess they needed another clown for their circus,” while others called for a reward for information leading to the recovery of the statue. “My fellow townspeople… we ride at dawn,” one commenter urged.
Outside security cameras captured a black Nissan SUV believed to be the getaway vehicle; however, the license plate remains unreadable. In a follow-up post, the police confirmed that a Ronald McDonald statue spotted on eBay is not the one taken from the Nesquehoning location.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities hope to recover the statue undamaged. Snyder added, “If anybody sees or recognizes these people, get in touch with us or the police. We appreciate the help.” Tips can be directed to the Nesquehoning PD at 570-669-9111.