Stradivarius Stolen From Milwaukee Musician Found In Attic; 3 Arrested

By Chuck Sudo in News on Feb 6, 2014 7:35PM

Frank Almond (left) is shown playing the "Lipinski" Stradivarius with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. (Photo courtesy Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra)

A rare Stradivarius violin stolen last week from a Milwaukee musician was recovered Thursday and three people have been arrested in connection with the crime.

Milwaukee police chief Edward Flynn said at a news conference the 300-year-old “Lipinski” Stradivarius on permanent loan to violinist and concertmaster Frank Almond was found inside a suitcase in the attic of a home in the Bay View neighborhood on Milwaukee’s east side. The violin is said to be in excellent condition and will be returned to its owner soon.

Police arrested two men identified as Universal Allah and Salah Jones and a 32-year-old woman in connection with the Jan. 27 theft. Police were able to crack the case through tips and information provided by Taser International about the stun gun used to incapacitate Almond and commit the crime. Milwaukee Police claim Allah was the one who purchased the stun gun.

The Lipinski Stradivarius is insured for $5 million and officials believed the thieves wouldn’t be able to sell it on the open market because Stradivariuses are so well-recognized.