Burglar shatters window to steal from the Carousel of Dreams in Kennewick

Kennewick police are hunting for the thief who broke into the Gesa Carousel of Dreams on Monday night.

The crook shattered a window in the concession area of the building at 12901 Southridge Blvd. about 8:30 p.m. and grabbed some items, Kennewick police said.

Then the burglar escaped before police arrived.

The carousel was not damaged, and it will be open during its normal hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, said Parker Hodge, the executive director for the Carousel of Dreams.

The south Kennewick landmark opened in 2014 after traveling from Michigan to the Tri-Cities with the help of a group of volunteers, experts and contributors.

The thief never made it into the carousel room after the security system was triggered, Hodge said. The police responded quickly and the person was only inside for a short time.

Hodge has been overwhelmed by the support the carousel has received after word went out about the break-in. He’s gotten calls from community groups, sponsors and volunteers asking if help is needed.

“My phone is ringing off of the hook,” Hodge said. “That is the call I keep getting over and over again. ... We are doing OK. The damage was minimal. No one was hurt. A window can be repaired.”

Most visitors won’t realize that anything happened because the concessions window is in the back of the building, Hodge said. The insurance company is working on paying for the window repair.

He only asks that people keep supporting the carousel by visiting and holding events.

Officers are asking anyone with information to call Kennewick police through the non-emergency dispatch number, 509-628-0333, and refer to case 20-04780.