The WWII B-25 bomber Panchito received potentially thousands of dollars of damage at this year’s Sun ‘n Fun, according to Lakeland police, who are currently seeking information about the incident.
The damage to the warbird included a deep scratch about 18 inches long, located on the left-side exterior near the fuselage. Police believe it occurred between 6 p.m. Saturday, April 13, and 9 a.m. Sunday, April 14. The plane was parked near a beer tent. Police hope someone might have witnessed what happened.
The cost to repair the damage is estimated at $30,000, police said.
Anyone who has information is urged to contact the Lakeland Police Department at 863-834-6900 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-8477. To be eligible for a cash reward, you must contact Crime Stoppers.
Panchito is part of the DAV Airshow Outreach Program that works to increase public awareness of disabled veterans and to serve veterans in communities across the nation. The original Panchito was a bomber with the 396th Bomb Squadron, 41st Bomb Group, 7th Air Force, stationed in the Central Pacific.
