Giant metal eagle stolen from outside Fresno County metal shop

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A seven-foot tall stainless steel sculpture was stolen from outside a metal shop in rural Fresno County. This is the second time the piece of metal sculpture has been stolen. Six years ago thieves took it out of a trailer. It was recovered a couple of days later. This time, they stole the whole trailer.

The eagle is seven feet tall and about 200 pounds. It was made by Johnny Tachera, a farmer, metal worker, and Republican candidate for congress. It was inside a trailer, parked next to his shop off of Elkhorn Avenue. The only evidence left behind are vague tire tracks in the dirt.

Along with the eagle the 14 foot trailer carried parts for a decorative ornamental iron gazebo Tacherra uses for outdoor weddings and other events.

But the eagle he made as a tribute to veterans is dear to his heart.

"This time, it just has so much sentimental value from the veterans I've met and the people I've talked to, and the joy it brings to their life and the smile on their face," said Tacherra.

This is the second time the bird has been stolen. Back in 2010 surveillance video captured thieves breaking into the trailer and hauling it away. It was recovered-- dumped in a farm field a couple of days later.

Along with his metal work, Tacherra is known as the Republican candidate for Congress who came close in the race against incumbent Democrat Jim Costa in 2014. He's running again this year and admits he's been so busy with the campaign, farming, and his metal work that he made it easy for the thieves.

"Last two days I've been so swamped I didn't have a chance to come out here and put a lock on the hitch," said Tacherra.

He doesn't think the thieves knew what was in the trailer and he's hoping they'll abandon the eagle and it will find its way home again.

He Fresno County Sheriff's Department is investigating and if anybody sees the seven foot tall metal eagle, give them a call.