RICHMOND, Va. -- Police said a 52-year-old Lawrenceville man has been arrested for stealing a UCI Road World Championship bicycle valued at least $10,000 from a downtown hotel from a downtown hotel last week.
Richmond Police spokesman Gene Lepley said Ronald Henderson, of the 900 block of Travis Drive in Lawrenceville, was arrested for "stealing a bicycle used by a competitor in the UCI Road World Championships."
As a result, Henderson was charged with Grand Larceny and Obtaining Money under False Pretenses, both felonies. He was also charged with Possession of Marijuana, a misdemeanor.
Officials said the bike was stolen from the Marriott Hotel Thursday evening when it was left unattended.
Lepley said RPD detectives acting on a tip located Henderson Saturday afternoon at the corner of 5th and East Broad Streets. At about the same time, using information provided by the tipster, RPD detectives also discovered the bike.
The bike was then returned to the team.
"My shiv outfitted by@SRAMracing @ZippSpeed @quarq @iamspecialized was so speedy it found its way home. Thx @RichmondPolice & this wonderful city," racer Evelyn Stevens tweeted.
“We are pleased we were able to find the bicycle in good working order and return it to the UCI team for use in this week’s competition,” said
RPD Chief Alfred Durham credited the person who came forward with the tip who "allowed detectives to find the bicycle so quickly and make the arrest.”
Thursday's bicycle theft came as international bicycle race teams and fans descended on Richmond for the UCI Road World Championships. Opening ceremonies for the international cycling event took place Friday night.
