Stolen Bus Shelter Artwork Returned Investigation Continues into Bus Shelter Art Heist

The strange story of artwork stolen from a Milwaukee County Transit System bus shelter took an unusual twist over the weekend when the unique piece was returned.

Someone placed the artwork back on the shelter Saturday, one day after the thief’s image was featured in local news reports. However, the art was damaged and will have to be replaced. 

Gloria Ruiz-Santos piece, “Colorful Serape”, was first installed on the bus shelter at 6th and National on July 30th. Her artwork is part of the popular and innovate Bus Shelter Art Project that MCTS kicked off this summer. 

The piece was stolen on September 10th by a man who was caught on surveillance video riding away from the crime scene on a MCTS bus.