An eagle-eyed Seattle parking enforcement officer helped recover a stolen replica Liberty Bell believed to be worth more than $100,000.
On Monday, March 3 at about 8 a.m., Parking Enforcement Officer Michael Eaton was on-duty in the 1300 block of Northwest 83rd Street when he noticed a detached flatbed trailer with an “enormous” item covered with a rain tarp. He’s been with the department for 36 years. As he looked more closely, he saw a large bell and recalled a recent news report about a replica Liberty Bell stolen from the Evergreen Washelli Cemetery.
Seattle police learned of the parking enforcement officer’s discovery and worked with the cemetery’s staff to verify and recover the rare bell. A staff member explained it is heavy, made of copper and there are only 20 of these bells in the world.
KING 5 News story: Priceless Liberty Bell replica found after theft from Seattle Cemetery
The replica Liberty Bell was first reported stolen from the cemetery on March 1. Cemetery staff told Seattle police officers they found doors of a facility opened with a door lock cut and the bell, estimated to be worth more than $100,000, missing.
Investigators are now working to identify suspects involved.
Anyone with information, photos or video related to this investigation is asked to call the SPD Tip Line at (206) 233-5000.
Incident Number: 2025-56068
