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Meteorite stolen from exhibit at Science Museum of Virginia

March 16, 2018 at 4:36 p.m. EDT
A meteorite stolen from the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond. (Virginia Capitol Police)

A meteorite has been stolen from the space-themed “Speed” exhibit at the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond, authorities said Friday.

The iron-nickel meteorite, worth $1,500, was taken from the museum in the 2500 block of West Broad Street on Thursday between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., according to a news release from the Virginia Capitol Police.

The space rock had been in the main hall of the museum’s first floor in a secure, metal display stand. Employees found the stand disassembled and the rock removed.

Joe Macenka, spokesman for the Virginia Capitol Police, said he was told that the meteorite was worth $1,500 and was part of a popular exhibit that includes an Apollo capsule.

“They did a nice job with this stuff,” he said of the exhibit. “These things happen.”

Police asked that anyone with information about the meteorite contact them at 804-786-2120.