INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Metro police have arrested four people for stealing the Butler Bulldogs’ mascot costume. Police have also found the missing costume. Unfortunately, no one will be able to ever wear it again.
University officials said four men in their early 20s stole the costume from Hinkle Fieldhouse on August 21. None of them are affiliated with the university. After the mascot was stolen, it spent sometime in a house just across the street and two doors down from Hinkle Fieldhouse. A tip finally led them to the Bulldog's captors.
During the mascot's absence, the university offered a reward for his return and even other teams' mascots substituted but nobody could fill the Bulldog's shoes.
"It doesn't feel like right. It doesn't feel like Butler without the Bulldog," said Freshman student Chris Goff.
Butler officials said the four suspects wouldn't be facing criminal charges if they would have just returned the costume unharmed. But with a missing eye, jowl and ear, the suspects could face felony charges.
"We don't believe there was a thought of consequences to actions," said Vice President of Student Affairs Levester Johnson. "The new mascot will be under severe lock and key...and double lock and key."
"It will feel right again and we are ready to have a great basketball season and the mascot is a part of that," said Goff.
Now a new and improved $14,000 Bulldog will make its debut at the season home opener next week.
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