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Sound equipment recovered in Princeton, Illinois after being stolen in October

The equipment and van belong to Gary Swanson, a well-known community member who plays music at numerous local events.

PRINCETON, Ill. — Editor's Note: The video attached originally aired on Oct. 24 around when Swanson's equipment was initially stolen. 

Updated Story: 

Back in October, Princeton resident Gary Swanson had his van and thousands of dollars in sound equipment stolen. Swanson is known for providing music at numerous community events. 

Last Saturday, Swanson learned that the Princeton Police Department had recovered some of his equipment. According to a Facebook post, two vintage keyboards, a small 16-channel Peavy mixer board, three microphones, an empty wireless mic system case and some speaker chords were recovered. 

"This experience has been challenging," Swanson said in the Facebook post. "Spite what happened I was determined to move on and do what I love to do, providing sound, my studio, and my band... all I can say is wow, I did not expect all the support from the community and others that I received. It will definitely 'get the music rolling again!'"

Original Story:

Police officers in Princeton, Illinois are asking for the public's help in locating a stolen van and sound equipment.

According to a recent Facebook post, the van and equipment were stolen at some point overnight between Oct. 21 and Oct. 22. 

The 2000 Chevrolet gray conversion van and speakers were taken from Gary Swanson's shop on Peru Street. The gray trailer with them is labeled with the letters "GES."

"As many of you know, Gary donates the sound services for numerous community events," the Facebook post from Princeton police reads. "He is very passionate about Princeton and the surrounding communities, volunteering his time, selflessly, promoting a positive message wherever he goes."

News 8 spoke with Swanson's daughter for more information and got photos of the missing items, which can be found below. 

"The whole town knows and loves my dad, the whole county," Holly Nelson said. "Everybody knows and loves my dad. He does stuff for free. It's just a terrible thing that happened to a really good guy."

Police are asking for the community's help in locating the equipment, and anyone with information is asked to reach out the the Princeton, Illinois Police Department. Anonymous reports are taken. Police added that if someone has the equipment, they can leave it undamaged where it can be easily found. 

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