Police find and return Northview baseball equipment reported stolen

Police found and returned baseball equipment on Friday that was reported stolen from Northview High School's baseball field.

Clay County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Josh Clarke says after some investigation, the many baseball bats and balls first reported stolen on Thursday were returned around noon on Friday.

"The school corporation called and we were able to track the juveniles down and returned the items to the coach about an hour ago," Clarke said around 1 p.m. Friday.

The juveniles in question, 12-year-old males, told police that they thought the Northview baseball facility was a "park where anyone could go and play baseball" and that the items in question were essentially left behind, Clarke said. It is unclear if any criminal action will be taken against the boys.

Word of the incident spread quickly on social media, especially since the Northview baseball program is just hours away from participating in the IHSAA Class 3A Baseball State Championship. The game against Western is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at Victory Field in Indianapolis.

On Thursday, Northview baseball head coach Craig Trout Tweeted "anyone with information on who stole the balls and bats from the (N)orthview baseball facility I will have a reward for you."

Then, after much response, a couple of hours later on Thursday he Tweeted: "First of all I appreciate all the support on finding who stole our stuff, but we're gonna be ok #dontpanic."