Duh - serial numbers. Don't know why I didn't think of that. I'll check - I see a lot of bikes at our local shops, enough that it would make me check them out.
I agree it might be worth it just to pay for it at a pawn shop - but then my more cowboy side would be to just lay a copy of the police report on the counter and walk out with it.
Here's an update though: Apparently the location that it was taken from has had a rash of bike thefts - enough that the police have started a recent case in the area. An officer actually talked to my roomate (who's responsible for el desaparicido,) and is getting the tapes from the location that it was taken, and also asked for photos. (Thankfully I have plenty.)
Much more than I expected - so might be a bright light after all. Maybe.
Thanks for the responses!