Lipinski Strad Recovered in Good Condition

Written by Laurie Niles
Published: February 6, 2014 at 2:18 PM [UTC]

The "Lipinski" Stradivarius that was stolen from Frank Almond on Jan. 27 has been recovered, according to news outlets in Milwaukee.

The violin, which was found in the home of one of the three suspects arrested yesterday, is reported to be in "perfect condition." Experts are in the process of confirming whether this is indeed the stolen Strad, and the Milwaukee Police department will hold a press conference at noon (Central Time) to release their findings.

Yesterday, three suspects were arrested in connection with the crime: two men, 36 and 41, and a woman, 32.

Update: The violin was found on the east side of Milwaukee after police were tipped off about its whereabouts by one of the suspects. It is being kept at Milwaukee Police headquarters, according to TMJ4 in Milwaukee

From 99.232.72.7
Posted on February 6, 2014 at 2:49 PM

Whoopee!!

From Jim Hastings
Posted on February 6, 2014 at 4:58 PM

Good news. I hope we all take warning from an unfortunate encounter that had a good ending and remember to take whatever reasonable preventive steps we can.

The accused will face more than just theft charges. Criminal misuse of tasers is felony assault. Our instructors couldn't emphasize the point enough during class: These are to be used as DE-fensive weapons only.

From Chibiabos Winnegan
Posted on February 6, 2014 at 7:28 PM

Stunning weapons are meant to send several thousands of volts of electricity through someone's body without sending you to jail for homicide. It's a weapon. Taser will say whatever they need to in order to sell stun guns and batons and what have you, but they're weapons. The law can decide when you should be punished for using one, but they're weapons. Weapons are weapons and a weapon is a weapon. A weapon might be better suited for assaulting on your objective than fighting off bad guys, but it's a weapon.

Social prejudice might incline people to talk about this as an "offensive weapon" and that as a "defensive weapon", but they're weapons and the delineation between offensive and defensive weapons only exists to comfort the flatlanders.

From Jim Hastings
Posted on February 6, 2014 at 10:20 PM

@ Chibiabos Winnegan: Whether English is a second language with you, I don't know; but in any case, I don't think you understood my previous reply. I plainly stated what our instructors told us -- namely, that these devices are to be USED as defensive weapons -- i.e., in the hands of ordinary private citizens. Offensive use of them, in many jurisdictions -- unless by law enforcement personnel attempting to take down a criminal -- constitutes aggravated assault. And that can spell prison time.

From Luke Foo
Posted on February 7, 2014 at 3:55 AM

It is interesting that the Taser was traced back to the owner, so if the criminal did not use the Taser, he might never have been found. This stupid criminal did not realize that when a Taser is fired, it emits small round dots that contain the serial number of the gun, which can then be traced back to the owner.

Also interesting to read that the thief threw away the case during the getaway. My guess is that he thought the case might contain a GPS tracking device.

Technology certainly played a part in this crime.

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Lipinski Strad Recovered in Good Condition

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