Couple finds 300-pound Christmas ornament that went missing Thursday

HOUSTON – A large Christmas ornament that weighs about 300 pounds was found Sunday morning after it went missing Thursday morning from a north Houston shopping center.

A couple driving through a newly developing neighborhood said they saw something sparkly in the middle the field behind the neighborhood.

They said they stopped to check it out, and that is when they found the large gold and red ornament laying in overgrown grass near James C Leo Road in Spring.

"The retail value was about $7,000," said Jeff Procell, senior general manager for Northline Commons.

Northline Commons at 4400 North Freeway is home to the 8-foot-tall ornaments that are displayed annually.

The one that disappeared was red and round.

"I think it's really sad," a shopper said.

Procell said he has already taken steps to better secure the decorations at Northline Commons and has been searching his security camera archive footage for clues.

The Houston Police Department is handling the investigation.

Northline Commons will replace the stolen ornament in time for its Christmas party for children, which will be held at the shopping center on Friday at 11:30 a.m.

"The criminals don't win. Santa will be there," Procell said.