The Michigan State Police crime lab has determined a gun fished out of the Kalamazoo River last month was stolen in a Monterey Township break-in 17 years ago.

Blake Blanchard, 21, of Otsego, reportedly “caught” a .357 Ruger Blackhawk July 28 in the river in Otsego Township and took the weapon home before calling Michigan State Police.

Authorities cleaned the defunct and rusty gun and determined someone had tried to remove its serial number, which later was restored by the crime lab in Grand Rapids.

The victim of the theft for many years believed his estranged son took the gun, but he did not seek charges. Police said the son has since died.