davidgagne.net

NEWPORT, R.I. – Mr. Potato Head is missing, and police want to know who took the tourism-touting tater.

The 6-foot tall, 150-pound statue was stolen Friday from the driveway of a private estate. James Leach called police after he heard his driveway alarm sounding about 3 a.m. He looked outside and saw a vehicle near the street.

The statue was located within the gates of the 17-acre Malbone Estate which were open at the time, Leach said.

In 2000, the Rhode Island Tourism Division introduced the Mr. Potato Head figures to promote the state as a family tourist destination. After the advertising campaign, several of the statues were auctioned off on eBay, with proceeds benefiting charity.

“We are wondering where and when it will turn up,” Leach said. “So far, no ransom note has been found.”