Art Museum Rampage: Man Allegedly Destroys Works In Denver Museum

DENVER, CO – Police arrested a man Sunday who allegedly went on a destructive rampage in the Denver Art Museum, pushing over displays and throwing sculptures on the fourth floor of the museum.

Police took Jake Siebenlist, 18, into custody around 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the museum at 100 W. 14th Ave. in Denver.

Witnesses and security said Siebenlist caused extensive damage to various art sculptures, artifacts and paintings on the 4th floor in the Stampede Art Gallery Section. The gallery features art that represents figures of animals from all eras and cultures.

Siebenlist first allegedly pushed over a glass structure covering a sculpture, causing it to fall over and shatter. Security guards at the scene tried to gain control of Siebenlist who then pushed visitors out of his path and allegedly began to throw numerous sculptures across the room causing them to break and began "shattering other art sculptures into the ground." Police said Siebenlist also tried to damage two paintings that were protected by plastic glass, but was unable to cause any damage to the two paintings.

Guards at the scene grabbed Siebenlist who allegedly "tried to punch security while he was being restrained," police said.

According to the museum, the following items were damaged:

• Wolf Headdress Mask.
• Raven Rattle Tlingit.
• Jaina Style Figurine.
• Moche Portrait Bottle.
• Chinese Vase with Phoenixes.
• Moche Rattle Bowl.
• Mayan Fish-Shaped Vessel.
• Mayan Vessel with God on Bird.
• Chinese initiator Sculpture.
• Beware of Cranes Sculpture.

Police did not give an estimated amount of damage. They did not release a booking photo of Siebenlist.

Siebenlist is being held on investigation of felony of criminal mischief for the damages, police said.

Image via Denver Art Museum

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