MacLean’s Simi Valley Jersey Recovered After Police Arrest Teen-Age Suspect

The Simi Valley High basketball jersey of Don MacLean, stolen from the school’s gymnasium two weeks ago, has been recovered and a suspect has been arrested.

Simi Valley police Monday arrested a 17-year-old male Simi Valley resident who allegedly broke into the school’s gym Sept. 22 and took the jersey from a glass trophy case, according to Lt. Ken Tacke. The jersey was found in the youth’s home beneath his bed, Tacke said.

The suspect was cited for suspicion of theft and released in the custody of his parents, Tacke said. Tacke said he did not know whether the suspect was a Simi Valley High student.

The school had offered a $200 reward for the return of the No. 24 jersey, which MacLean wore for the Pioneers from 1986-88. The school received several anonymous leads in the case, Tacke said.

MacLean, a 6-foot-10-inch forward who went on to become UCLA’s all-time scoring leader, holds nearly every basketball record at the school, including points in a career with 2,343. His jersey was retired and placed on display in 1990.