Excavator Stolen from RVA I-95 Battle Flag Memorial Site

Sometime between the morning of Thursday, October 31st and the morning of Friday, November 1st, an Hitachi excavator was stolen from the RVA I-95 Battle Flag Memorial Site in Chester, Virginia.  On September 28, the Va Flaggers raised a 15x15 Battle Flag on the site, to honor the memory of Confederate Soldiers who died defending Virginia in the War Between the States. 

The equipment, valued at $20,000 was an orange Hitachi EX 100, and had a few strips of red tape on the dented engine compartment door.  "Excellent Excavator" is also printed on the side of the cab. 



Evidence has been collected on the site, and the thieves apparently used a truck and trailer to steal the machinery. 

As Chesterfield police officers investigated this afternoon, nearby residents who support the project came out and volunteered to clean up the brush that was to be removed today.  They rolled up their sleeves and quickly completed the work.  The Virginia Flaggers are very thankful for their support and help, as well as the quick response from the Chesterfield County Police. 

This is a minor setback and will cause a brief delay in the scheduled completion of the project, which includes tree removal, lighting, and a security fence. 

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to call Chesterfield Police at (804) 748-1251.

PLEASE share this with all of your contacts so that everyone can help keep an eye out for the stolen equipment, bring the thieves to justice, and return the excavator to its rightful owner.

Grayson Jennings
Va Flaggers