Stolen Ronald McDonald statue returned unharmed in New Jersey

May 8 (UPI) -- Authorities in New Jersey said a Ronald McDonald statue stolen from outside a fast food restaurant last week has been recovered undamaged.

Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony Kearns III and Clinton Township Police Officer in Charge Lt. Doug Higgins announced the statue, which was stolen from outside the Clinton Township McDonald's between 11 p.m. April 26 and 10 a.m. April 27, was recovered late last week and is now being returned to the restaurant.

Authorities did not offer any details of the statue's whereabouts when it was missing or whether any suspects have been identified. The investigation is ongoing.

Philip and Diane Koury, owner/operators of the McDonald's eatery, welcomed the statue's return.

"We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community," the Koury family said in a statement to the Hunterdon Review. "We are so thrilled to have our Ronald back so our customers can continue to enjoy him for years to come."

New Jersey Crime Stoppers had offered a $500 reward for the statue's return. It was unclear whether the reward money was claimed.