Antique pieces from Dallas Museum of Art valued at more than $5 million destroyed

A man who entered the Dallas Museum of Art on Wednesday it destroyed works of art valued at more than $5 million.

Brian Hernández, 21, arrived at 9:49 pm at the glass doors of the museum with a metal chair and began to destroy everything in his path.

Hernandez destroyed a Greek amphora from the 6th century BC. and one Greek vessel from 450 years BC.

Police said the estimates could change after an evaluation by the museum curator and the insurance company.

Hernandez is also accused of destroying a container dating to 550-530 BC., valued at $100,000.

Police say he smashed a counter and destroyed a ceramic Caddo effigy, with the image of a lizard. That piece was worth $10,000.

The museum remained open to the public Thursday, including its Cartier and Islamic Art exhibit. But some permanent galleries were closed for the duration of the investigation.

The destroyed pieces are part of the more than 24,000 works owned by the DMA, spanning more than 5,000 years.

Hernandez was arrested and charged with a crime against property. (criminal mischief) with damages of more than $300,000. His bail has not been set.

The museum noted that Hernández was not armed.

Hernandez remains isolated in the Dallas County Jail.

A guard told police that Hernandez “got mad at his girlfriend so she came in and started destroying everything.”

Kenneth Bennett, director of security and operations for the DMA, showed video of the suspect destroying the artwork. Hernández also destroyed counters, furniture, computers and telephones.

“Although we are devastated by this incident, we are grateful that no one was injured. The safety of our staff and visitors, as well as the care and protection of the art in our care, are our top priorities,” the museum said in a statement.

Mary McDermott Cook, whose parents donated much of the work the museum owns, said she got a first-hand account of Thursday’s vandalism from museum director Agustin Arteaga. The call “made me sick to my stomach,” she said.

With information from Maggie Prosser and Michael Granberry

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