EAST RIDGE, TN —July 27, 2025 — The East Ridge Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in the theft of a valuable historical artifact from a recent event at Camp Jordan Park. Authorities say the man, captured on surveillance footage, is suspected of stealing an antique bayonet and scabbard during a trade and collector’s show held over the weekend.
According to investigators, the theft occurred sometime during peak hours on Saturday afternoon at the Camp Jordan Arena, where vendors and collectors had gathered for one of the region’s popular antique and military memorabilia shows. The event typically draws large crowds from across the Southeast, making it difficult for vendors to monitor all items on display.
The stolen item—a rare military bayonet complete with its original scabbard—is described as a late 19th- or early 20th-century piece of historical significance, with an estimated value in the hundreds or potentially thousands of dollars, depending on provenance. Police did not release the specific make or model of the bayonet, citing the ongoing investigation, but they did confirm it is considered a collectible item of considerable rarity.
Suspect Description and Appeal for Information
The East Ridge Police Department has released a photo of the man believed to be connected to the theft. In the image, the individual appears to be a white male, possibly in his late 30s to early 50s, with short brown or graying hair. He was seen wearing a dark jacket and jeans, and appeared to be browsing vendor tables for an extended period before the item was reported missing.
Officers believe the suspect may have concealed the bayonet and exited the venue before security or the vendor could detect the theft.
“We are reaching out to the public to help us identify this individual,” said East Ridge Police Department Public Information Officer Lt. Craig Harrison. “This item is not only of monetary value but also of historical and sentimental importance to the vendor. Events like this are built on trust, and we take these violations very seriously.”
The police are also investigating whether this incident is connected to any other thefts at similar events in the region, though no direct links have been confirmed at this time.
Community Urged to Assist
Anyone who attended the Camp Jordan show over the weekend and may have seen suspicious activity is encouraged to come forward. Attendees, vendors, or staff who may have photographs, receipts, or video recordings from the event are especially urged to check their media for any potential clues.
If you recognize the individual in the released photo or have any information regarding the whereabouts of the stolen bayonet and scabbard, please contact the East Ridge Police Department’s tip line at (423) 867-3720 or email tips@eastridgepd.gov. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the department’s online crime tip portal.
“Your help could make all the difference in recovering this item and holding the responsible party accountable,” Lt. Harrison said. “We thank the public in advance for their continued support and cooperation.”
Protecting Our Shared History
Military collectors and historians have expressed frustration and sadness at the theft, noting that items like the stolen bayonet often hold deep historical value and are part of preserving the past for future generations. The vendor who owned the item—whose identity has not been disclosed for privacy—shared that the artifact was part of a personal collection accumulated over decades.
“These shows are meant to educate and bring history to life,” said Jerry Ellison, a local military memorabilia enthusiast who attended the Camp Jordan event. “When someone steals from a vendor, they’re not just stealing an object—they’re stealing from the story that item tells.”
Camp Jordan Park, located just off Interstate 75 in East Ridge, has long served as a hub for community events, sports, and trade shows. Organizers of the antique and collectors’ show have vowed to increase security and improve surveillance in light of the incident.
Ongoing Investigation
As the East Ridge Police Department continues to follow leads, officers are reminding the public to report any attempt to sell a similar bayonet—especially through pawn shops, antique markets, or online auction platforms. Collectors are also encouraged to be vigilant and report any suspicious offers that match the description of the stolen item.
More updates are expected as the investigation progresses. In the meantime, the East Ridge community is standing behind the vendors and law enforcement, hoping that with the help of the public, the case will soon be resolved and the artifact returned to its rightful owner.
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