The Avalon Police Department has arrested a Pennsylvania man with theft and other offenses after he allegedly stole part of a bronze sculpture from a well-known Borough streetscape. The statue entitled “Girl” was cast by local artist Gary Jacketti in 1991 and depicts a young girl flying a kite. She has greeted millions of visitors as they have entered Avalon over the years at 30th Street and Ocean Drive. The kite portion of the life size work was reported missing on July 16, 2013.

Bruno Talvacchia, age 19 from Narberth, PA was arrested at his rental residence in the 700 block of 21st Street later that day, where the kite was recovered. Talvacchia was charged with theft, receiving stolen property, and criminal mischief after police located a pay stub he dropped at the scene. The theft and receiving stolen property charges are third degree crimes and the criminal mischief is a fourth degree crime as damage is estimated to be over $500.00.  Investigating officers were Det. Sgt. Joseph Gaughan and Ptlm. Sam Hoffman.

Talvacchia was transferred to the Cape May County Correctional Facility after failing to post $10,000 full cash bail set by the Hon. George Neidig of the Avalon Municipal Court.