Instagram Photo Leads Police to "Sheep Shot' Homage to Hanson Brother

A fiberglass hockey-playing sheep modeled after one of Slap Shot's beloved Hanson Brothers, stolen two months ago from a public art display in downtown Rochester, MI, has been found.

The sheep is missing his ears, one black skate and his wire-rimmed glasses — in a nod to Steve Hanson, the brawling hockey-playing character from the 1977 movie filmed in Johnstown, PA and inspired by the Johnstown Jets hockey team.

The Steve Hanson character, played in Slap Shot by real-life former player Steve Carlson, was one of three dim-witted on-ice teammates of the late star Paul Newman. Another of those Hanson Brothers — a in real life as well as on the screen — now is executive director of Island Sports Center.

Police say a 25-year-old man from Oxford Township, near Rochester, has confessed to the theft. Possible charges against him are pending, according to police.

In the meantime, they are crediting an Instagram user with tipping them off to the missing sheep's whereabouts.

Here's how it happened, according to Rochester Police Chief Steve Schettenhelm.

Someone stole the sheep on the night of May 25 near the corner of Main and Second streets. It had been on display for about a week as part of the , a display of two dozen fiberglass movie-themed sheep around town.

The sheep, decorated to look like a hockey player, was called "Steve Hanson from Sheep Shot."

About three weeks ago, Schettenhelm received a tip that the missing sheep might be at a home in Rochester Hills.

"We were directed to an online photo that was taken with a possible subject holding the sheep," Schettenhelm said.

The tipster also contacted Rochester Patch and shared the photo that was shared with police. Someone had posted it on Instagram, the photo-sharing site. It showed the sheep in a grassy yard with the caption "Just stole a sheep."

Schettenhelm's department investigated and, based on other photos that were found at the same time, also learned of a possible connection to narcotics.

"We turned this information over to the Rochester Police officer assigned to the Oakland County Narcotics Enforcement Team. He was able to follow up on this information which lead to the recovery of the sheep in Rochester Hills," he said. 

Sheep Shot is valued at $2,000, but an estimated $500 worth of repairs must be made before it can be displayed again.

The investigation is wrapping up, and information will be turned over to the Oakland County Prosecutor's office for possible charges, Schettenhelm said.