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2025 in review: McNapping of statue in Nesquehoning still unsolved

The McMystery of who took an iconic clown from a Nesquehoning fast food restaurant has yet to be solved.

In July, four people walked into the McDonald’s restaurant and removed a plastic statue of Ronald McDonald from the Play Place area in broad daylight.

Video captured the wannabe Hamburglars leaving with the clown, but police were unable to identify the culprits or the license plate of their vehicle as they left.

“We’re not clowning around. This was a full-blown McNapping,” Nesquehoning police posted on Facebook. “Ronald was last seen smiling, as usual, unaware of the betrayal. Witnesses say he didn’t even put up a fight.”

The post then addresses the suspects, saying, “We get it — times are tough, and therapy is expensive. But kidnapping a plastic icon of joy? That’s a McFelony.”

The news of the theft made national news, but no leads that were received have led to the recovery of Ronald.

McDonald’s also began posting on its electronic sign for the public’s help in identifying the culprits, with messages asking “Where’s Ronald?” “Have you seen Ronald?” and “Ronald has been kidnapped” before urging people to call Nesquehoning police.

The plastic statue was a fixture at the restaurant for over two decades. Statues like that one are not made like that anymore, and it was a crown jewel for the owner and employees.

The case remains open, so if anyone has any information regarding the theft, you are asked to contact Nesquehoning police at 570-669-9111.

Surveillance video shows a number of unidentified suspects walking out of the Nesquehoning McDonald’s with the Ronald McDonald statue.
The sign outside McDonald’s announces that Ronald has been kidnapped and asks for the public’s help in identifying the individuals involved intaking him. TIMES NEWS FILE PHOTOS