WATCH: The Mysterious Case of the Stolen Guitar

SAN ANGELO, TX – Local Texas Country music singer Case Hardin was booked to play at the Concho Pearl Ice House on the night of April 18 to perform for patrons as they packed in following the rodeo. 

Prior to the show Hardin and his band had performed a sound check to make sure everything was set for the night. After the sound check Hardin had left the Pearl and left his guitar behind. Hardin claimed that he had done this in the past and felt especially safe since it was a hometown show.

"It was just me being naive I guess," said Hardin about leaving the guitar. "For whatever reason I figured it'd be ok. I had a sneaking suspicion that I better go back and check on it, if not get it, but it was already to late."

Hardin's guitar had been nabbed in broad daylight. The San Angelo Police Department was then called in to investigate. 

"At the time of the call there was a shoplifting call at the family dollar across the street," said Officer Raymond Francis with the SAPD. "When I got there employees were pulling out a gentleman they thought had stolen store merchandise."

When Officer Francis spoke with the suspect he was carrying a bag and a large guitar case. During the conversation the suspect gave multiple stories telling Officer Francis that it was a gift and that an unknown person gave it to him. Ultimately Officer Francis was able to determine the guitar was stolen.

Hardin was then contacted and told to return to the Pearl. He says that he was at the Tarpley's music store buying a new guitar so he could perform. 

When he arrived at the pearl, Francis says Hardin took four steps in and then froze. "I don't know how many times I shook hands with the guy honestly," said Officer Francis. "It made it worth knowing that we did the right thing and we got property back for someone.

Hardin finishes the Rasing Cane's people story by saying that he is in debt to Officer Francis for him being able to protect his property. For more rodeo stories like this, click here.