Finally, some good news in the world of classic rock. Five guitars belonging to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were recovered Tuesday (April 17). The instruments had been reported missing since Friday, when they were taken from the Culver City, Calif. soundstage where the band was rehearsing for its upcoming tour, which begins Wednesday night in Broomfield, Colo.

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Daryl Emmette Washington, 51, of Los Angeles has been arrested in connection with the robbery. Washington had worked as a private security guard at the Culver Studios complex. Police chief Don Pedersen said that a tip came after Washington pawned one of the guitars for $250.

Petty, on his website, issued the following statement, “I am extremely grateful to the Culver City Police Department for a job well done and touched by the outpouring of good wishes and concern from our fans and friends.”

The five guitars – a 1967 Rickenbacker 360 12-string, a 1965 Gibson Les Paul SG TV Junior, a 1967 Epiphone Sheridan, a Mike Campbell signature model Dusenberg and a Fender Broadcaster – are reportedly worth more than $100,000. Petty had offered a $7,500 “no questions asked” reward for the instruments.

 

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