Stradivarius Arrests: Three Arrested, Violin Found In Attic
Three people have been arrested in connection to the stolen Lipinski Stradivarius in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Frank Almond, with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, was robbed following a performance at Wisconsin Lutheran College according to a previous report by The Inquisitr.
According to CNN, three suspects were arrested Monday for allegedly stealing the Stradivarius. Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn told reporters Wednesday that the three were described as a 36-year-old man, a 41-year-old man, and a 32-year-old woman, all from Milwaukee. At that time, the missing Stradivarius had not been recovered.
“We do not have the violin. As is known, there is a substantial reward out for that violin, and we urge the community to do what it can to develop information and to help us identify, and locate, and recover this priceless instrument,” said Flynn.
None of the suspects had been identified at the time of arrest, and none were formally charged. According to the Chicago Tribune, charges are expected to be filed on Friday now that the Stradivarius has been found.
Flynn announced at a news conference that the violin valued at $5 million has been found in good condition more than a week after it was stolen from Frank Almond. Reports state that the violin was found in a suitcase in the attic of a home on the east side of Milwaukee. According to The New York Times, Mayor Tom Barrett praised the cooperation between the FBI and local law enforcement at a news conference. “There are good days and there are bad days. Today is a good day.”
“I’d like to express my deep gratitude to Chief Flynn, the Milwaukee Police Department, FBI, and all other law enforcement agencies for their outstanding work. Their professionalism and personal concern throughout this entire ordeal have been exemplary, and I cannot thank them enough,” Almond said. “I’d also like to thank everyone for the colossal outpouring of support and concern over the last ten days, especially the musicians, staff, and board of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra,” he added. “It was truly heartening during what was obviously a very difficult time. I could not have imagined a better outcome for this particular chapter in the violin’s life and look forward to having it in my hands as soon as possible.”
The Chicago Tribune stated that the Stradivarius was made in 1715 and is one of roughly 600 violins, violas and cellos still in existence that were built by the famed Italian artisan Antonio Stradivari.
[Image via Shutterstock/Nisakorn Neera]
