Suspected van Gogh thief arrested in Vt.

[September 24, 2010]  MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) -- After a drawing by Vincent van Gogh valued at more than a million dollars was stolen last year from a Santa Fe home in New Mexico, it didn't take long for someone to spot it for sale in a consignment shop.

But the man who authorities believe stole the priceless sketch of van Gogh's famous painting "The Night Cafe" sold it for a mere $250, then fled the state. Now police say the suspect has turned up in Vermont.

The 45-year-old Edward Laird is being held on $50,000 bail in Vermont. He faces burglary and other charges in Vermont. And it was not clear Thursday if he had a lawyer or when he would be returned to New Mexico to face charges.

[Associated Press; By LISA RATHKE]

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