The mounted armadillo that was stolen from Willie Nelson’s road crew after a Sept. 19 concert at the Capitol Theatre was returned unharmed Friday morning, the theater happily reported.“The artists who play at the Capitol Theatre, we try to treat them like family, and no one messes with our family,” Tom Bailey, the Capitol’s manager, said.
Shortly before noon, someone (Bailey did not describe the person, but said it was not the suspected thief) walked up to the theater and handed a sealed box to the attendant working at the box office. Inside — his signature blue-glitter hat still fixed to his leathery head — was Ol’ Dillo.
“Everyone is relieved and delighted to be able to get the thing back to Mr. Nelson,” Bailey said. He also said Nelson had decided not to press charges; fans had called for much worse.
The armadilloÂ’s abduction launched a nationwide Â’dillo-hunt. Texas Roadhouse, a chain of barbecue restaurants, offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the critterÂ’s return. More than 1,500 fans posted condolences (and unprintable threats against the thief) on NelsonÂ’s Facebook page.
The Port Chester [NY] Police Department opened an investigation.
OlÂ’ Dillo had last been seen at his usual stage-side perch, standing atop a mixing console as crew members packed up equipment after the show. Footage from the CapitolÂ’s security cameras showed a woman walking onto the stage, grabbing Dillo by his back and slipping away into the crowd. Bailey said he and his co-workers have identified the woman involved and have banned her from future performances at the Capitol.