Stolen WAMO gear returned in Walmart rendezvous, says station GM

A crook with a conscience returned more than $14,000 in equipment stolen this week from a Pittsburgh hip-hop radio station, its general manager said.

After media coverage Monday about the theft, WAMO-FM General Manager Jamal Woodson said he got a phone call from a buddy of the man who, with the help of a crowbar, made off with $14,200 worth of brand new gear: computers, speakers, microphones, TVs and other equipment.

The man, Woodson said, wanted to return the equipment to the Forest Hills station.

His first instinct was to arrange a meeting right away because the missing equipment had put a crimp on production. But Woodson’s friend dissuaded him, saying the rendezvous could be a setup.

Woodson called the man back. They agreed to meet Tuesday at a well-lit Walmart parking lot in North Versailles.

“I parked right in front,” Woodson told the Tribune-Review on Wednesday. “I blocked the walkway so that no one could leave without being seen. I was nervous because I didn’t know what to expect.”

With all the stolen goods safely returned, the man wanted to know whether Woodson intended to press charges. Woodson didn’t.

“I just couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I got all my stuff back.”

And that was good enough for Woodson.

He said Allegheny County Police, who investigated the burglary, were not upset with him.

“They told me they would not have advised me to do that, especially alone,” Woodson said.

The criminal investigation concluded after WAMO decided not to press charges, a county spokeswoman said.

All of our equipment has been returned. Thank you Pittsburgh for your help! pic.twitter.com/TBIh5ypE3c

— WAMO 100.1 107.3 (@WAMO100) March 27, 2019

The hip-hop/R&B and news station has about 20 employees.

WAMO’s roots go back more than 65 years. It’s been broadcasting in greater Pittsburgh with a news component since 2011, when it was purchased by Martz Communications Group.

The station operates via 100.1 FM and 107.3 FM as well as 660 AM.