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S.F. Police Say Boy's Violin Taken From Muni Bus Has Been Recovered

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Police said Thursday evening that a missing violin taken from a San Francisco Municipal Railway bus last month has been recovered.

William, who doesn't want to release his last name, said he left the violin under his seat on the 38 Muni bus February 20th. He was distracted while doing homework on the bus and got off without retrieving his beloved instrument.

"I just felt so, so stupid. I was kicking myself," said William, an eighth grader.

William has been playing the violin for about eight years. He says the violin cost about $1,200.

"It's pretty significant to me because I had it awhile, years now," he said. "I've done numerous recitals."

San Francisco police say surveillance cameras on the bus show shortly after William exited the bus, a woman picked up the violin from under the seat and walked off with it.

A few hours after police put the woman's picture on social media on Thursday, they located her and the violin. Investigators are now trying to find out her motive and determine if she'll face theft charges.

"It means a lot to us to know that we investigated this correctly, got the property back to its rightful owner," said Officer Robert Rueca, a spokesman for SFPD.

William says he's ready to forgive the woman and focus on playing his favorite instrument.

"If she turned it in herself and apologized, then I'll be okay," he said.

Although the victim has been reunited with their instrument, police said the investigation remains ongoing.

Police said they haven't determined yet whether the woman seen taking the violin from the bus will be arrested.

© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. and Bay City News Service. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed

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