UNION, S.C. -- Deputies are searching for the vandals who knocked the head of a chicken off a truck, which is used by a local restaurant to promote the business.

The truck belonged to Gene’s Fine Food located at 217 N. Duncan Bypass.

According to an incident report, Gene Gregory, owner of the restaurant, said when he left his business early Saturday morning, the chicken head was attached to the top of the 1969 Dodge pickup. He said when he returned later that day, the head was sitting in the grass in front of the restaurant.

Gregory told deputies that he talked with Union Public Safety and officers told him they found the head in the middle of a nearby road. Officers said they moved the head from the road back to the restaurant.

“It’s been real good for me,” Gregory said. “People take pictures in front of it with their kids.”

Gregory said the chicken head truck has been a landmark in Union for nearly 35 years.

The damage was estimated to cost $700 to repair.

Gregory said he plans to have the fowl's head repaired and back on its perch as soon as possible.