Missing Ritchie Valens memorabilia recovered by Iowa police; 1 suspect arrested

Clear Lake police have recovered "priceless" memorabilia related to rock 'n’ roll star Ritchie Valens and the "day the music died" and arrested an Iowa man in connection with the incident.

Last week, the Valens family reported the theft of two framed photo collages and a framed “La Bamba” film poster. The items were last seen Feb. 2, during an annual luncheon hosted by the Valens family at the Best Western Motor Lodge in Clear Lake.

The event coincided with the annual Winter Dance Party celebration at the Surf Ballroom. Valens, Buddy Holly and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, along with pilot Roger Peterson, died Feb. 3, 1959, in a plane crash north of Clear Lake.

► More:What you need to know about Buddy Holly and ‘the day the music died’ in Iowa

The Valens family posted a statement late Thursday to Facebook: “Thank you to the Clear Lake Police Department and everyone that helped put the word out about the missing photos! We appreciate our family both near and far!”

Authorities recovered the memorabilia Thursday in “good condition" after the items were left in a parking lot in the 500 block of Highway 18 in Clear Lake. On Friday, police reported that Mark Hobbs, 59, of Rudd, had been arrested and booked at Cerro County Jail on a third-degree theft charge.

Police said Hobbs was seen on surveillance video taking the items and later identified by witnesses.

► More:Sorry, 'American Pie,' but the music didn't die in Clear Lake. Just ask the fans.