Police recover stolen kidney; suspect questioned, released

Acting on an anonymous tip, Seattle police have recovered a human kidney stolen in December from "Bodies ... The Exhibition."

Police on Thursday said they interviewed and released a suspect in the case, a 26-year-old Tacoma man. The detective in charge of the investigation is finishing his work on the theft case and will forward the information to the King County prosecutor for possible charges, Seattle police spokesman Jeff Kappel said.

The prosecutor will make the final decision about what charges to pursue, if any, Kappel said. The Seattle Times generally does not name criminal suspects until they have been charged.

The palm-sized, polymer-preserved kidney disappeared Dec. 30 from the show at 800 Pike St. It was part of an interactive display that lets patrons touch some of the preserved remains.

It's unclear if anybody will claim a $10,000 reward offered in January by the exhibit's national tour for the return of the kidney.

The kidney will ultimately be returned to the exhibition, but for now it's being held as police evidence, Kappel said.

Brian Alexander: 206-464-... or balexander@seattletimes.com