Fresno Shocker: Giant Chicken Statue Vanishes OvernightFresno Shocker: Giant Chicken Statue Vanishes Overnight Residents of Fresno, California, woke to a startling sight on Thursday morning: their beloved giant chicken statue, known affectionately as “Colonel Crunch,” had mysteriously disappeared. The statue, a towering monument to the city’s poultry industry, stood nearly 22 feet tall at the entrance to the Rolland Farms Shopping Center. Cast in fiberglass and adorned with a red bandana, it had become a local landmark and a quirky symbol of Fresno. According to local authorities, the statue was last seen in place on Wednesday evening. However, surveillance footage from the shopping center revealed that sometime between 10:00 pm and 2:00 am, a group of individuals approached the statue with a truck and trailer. They quickly dismantled the monument and loaded it onto the vehicle before speeding away. Police have launched an investigation into the incident and have urged the public to come forward with any information. The motive behind the theft remains unclear, but authorities suspect that the statue may have been targeted for its scrap value or as part of a bizarre prank. The disappearance of Colonel Crunch has sent shockwaves through the Fresno community. Locals have expressed outrage and sadness, calling the statue a cherished part of the city’s identity. “It’s like losing a friend,” said lifelong resident Maria Garcia. “That chicken has always been there, watching over us.” Business leaders are also concerned about the potential impact on tourism. The giant chicken was a major attraction for out-of-town visitors, and its disappearance could damage Fresno’s reputation as a quirky and welcoming city. The Rolland Farms Shopping Center has offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the safe return of Colonel Crunch. In the meantime, residents are left wondering who would commit such a brazen act and why the beloved bird has vanished into thin air.