Arrest Warrant Issued for Luke Tones in Theft of Drew Ginn’s Olympic Medals
An arrest warrant has been issued for 47-year-old Luke Tones, wanted in connection with the theft of four Olympic medals belonging to rower Drew Ginn. The medals, including three gold and one silver from multiple Olympics, were stolen from Ginn's car in Melbourne's Docklands. The theft occurred between Thursday night and Friday morning after Ginn gave a school talk. Police urge the public to be vigilant about the stolen items.
A man has become the focus of an ongoing investigation due to his suspected involvement in the theft of four Olympic medals. The medals, which include three gold and one silver from multiple Olympic Games, were reportedly stolen from the vehicle of renowned Australian rower Drew Ginn in Melbourne.
Police confirm the issuance of an arrest warrant for the suspect
Authorities confirmed on Wednesday that they are actively searching for Luke Tones, 47, following the issuance of an arrest warrant related to the theft. The incident occurred in Melbourne's Docklands, where the medals were left in Ginn's car while he attended a speaking engagement at a local school.
Details of the theft emerge
Ginn reported that his car was ransacked between 9 PM on Thursday and 5 AM on Friday, resulting in extensive damage to various items within. Despite efforts to conceal the medals in the vehicle, their disappearance has raised significant concern among those connected to Ginn.
Ginn reflects on the sentimental value of the medals
During an interview with ABC Radio, Ginn expressed difficulty in quantifying the value of the stolen medals, stating that they hold immense sentimental worth to him and his family. He noted the medals are irreplaceable and cannot be insured, underscoring their unique importance.
Significance of the Olympic medals
The stolen medals are tied to Ginn's noteworthy achievements as part of the Oarsome Foursome, a celebrated Australian rowing team. He won gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and a silver medal at the 2012 London Games, in addition to other victories in pair events at the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympics.
Detectives urge public awareness for recovery
Detective Sergeant Timothy Reiher characterized the medals as "unbelievably rare items with significant sentimental value" and sought public assistance in recovering them. He encouraged individuals to remain vigilant regarding pawn shops and online sales platforms where such items could possibly appear.
Other items stolen in the incident
In addition to the Olympic medals, several personal items were reported stolen from Ginn's vehicle, including a Rip Curl wetsuit, a GoPro camera, and Sony headphones. Police are urging anyone who may have seen Tones, who frequently visits areas such as Richmond, Abbotsford, Collingwood, and the Melbourne CBD, to come forward with information.
Description of the suspect
Tones, a resident of the inner-Melbourne suburb of Windsor, is described as Caucasian with a thin build and bald head, possibly sporting grey facial hair. Authorities encourage anyone with pertinent information to reach out to local law enforcement.
