The person that bought my stolen bike tried doing repairs on it, looked it up, saw it on the bike index (thank you bike index!), and wants to give it back. This is amazing news!! We had a long phone call and I do believe he bought it without knowing, seems like a genuine hard working guy. He sent lots of pictures of the bike so I know he actually has it. However, I am broke right now and he, understandably, wants what he paid for it.

He has no information on the person that sold it to him, it was at a fest at a park. he could only describe the man as "looking rough"

Neither of us want to get police involved (although I do have a police report already opened if need be), but I cannot afford to buy my bike for the second time. Advice?

EDIT: he wants 600$ for it. knowing the bike (vintage homemade electric bike), i know damn well he probably did very well pay that for the bike. apparently he haggled the guy down to 600 in the first place. he wont bring the bike unless i have the $

EDIT 2: this guy...listen i dont think he stole it. he introduced himself with his full name on the phone, he sent me a picture of his house and his car because hes just proud to have them, told me what town hes from, showed me a bunch of his artwork, like i know so much about this guy now. hes a total dad that plays music in a band at a park and bought a beautiful bike at one of his shows. that being said, its 600$.

EDIT 3: he refuses to come down on any offer aside from 600$ cash. this guy owns a house and a car and has his own small business and cant give me my bike back even at a discount. his mom is in hospice apparently, i have no idea if im being scammed through a sob story.

i have a feeling if i get police involved that i am going to be made to regret it