Police say suspected van Gogh thief sold priceless sketch for $250

Suspected van Gogh thief arrested in Vt.

MONTPELIER, Vt. — 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.