Man returns stolen instruments

MIAMI (WSVN) -- A South Florida musician has recovered several of his stolen music equipment after a Good Samaritan saw his story on 7News.

It's an apparent case of buyer's remorse. A man purchased the music equipment and later learned it was all stolen, and then he did the right thing.

The man who bought all that stolen gear for about $12,000 reached out to the man who it was stolen from, giving it all up. The theft victim then reached out to the media to say thank you.

Evan Lamb is playing a different tune these days. The musician is now happy that he has recovered about $70,000 worth of music equipment stolen from him earlier this week. "It's everything that I wanted back, you know," said Lamb.

Lamb said he left his van running while he ran inside to by coolant at a BP gas station, near Coral Gables, Saturday. That is when someone hopped in the van and took off with the equipment he uses to play gigs around South Florida.

The story of a man robbed of his way to make a living aired on the news. "As soon as the major news outlets got involved, it seems that put pressure on the guy who took all the gear," said Lamb.

Lamb got an email Tuesday afternoon from an unknown sender providing a number to call for help in finding his stolen gear. "I eventually called the number," said Lamb, "and the guy said, 'Yeah, I bought it from the guy who stole it from you.'"

Ready to recover his three guitars, an amplifier and other equipment, he arranged an early morning meeting to grab his gear. "About 5:30 this morning, I headed up there with my family and the guy was really straight up and said, 'Look, here's all the stuff.' I'm still missing the laptop and I'm still missing the van," said Lamb.

Lamb is happy he can play again and make a living. Evan gave the man who returned his goods a $500 reward. He said he's got another $500 waiting for anyone who can help find the person who stole his van in the first place.

If you have any information on who may have stolen Evan's van, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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