A 40-year-old Florida man who stole his roommate’s Eclectus parrot named Piper was arrested on Tuesday.
Justin David Peters, 40, was charged with grand theft and animal cruelty.
The case began on June 14, 2022, when the 37-year-old female victim stated she believed her roommate — Peters, also known as “Redbeard” on Summerland Key — stole her $1,800 parrot.
The victim stated she has repeatedly instructed Peters to leave the bird alone and that Peters did not have permission to take the bird out of its cage and leave the residence.
The day before, a witness reported seeing a man later identified as Peters at a bus stop near his business. The witness went about his business and looked at the bus station again sometime later and Peters was no longer there, but there was a red parrot on the bench.
He took possession of the parrot, called the Sheriff’s Office, and made other attempts to locate the owner.
In the news: Florida AG Moody Warns Of Seven Summer Scams
Witnesses at a nearby restaurant and gas station also reported seeing a man, later identified as Peters, with the same red parrot. Both witnesses stated the bird appeared to be stressed and agitated. Security camera footage confirmed Peters was at those locations.
The bird was returned to its owner and taken to the veterinarian. The bird suffered multiple broken bones, a dislocated hip, blunt force trauma to one side of its body, and other injuries.
Peters was booked into the Monroe County Jail.
Visit Tampafp.com for Politics, Tampa Area Local News, Sports, and National Headlines. Support journalism by clicking here to our GiveSendGo or sign up for our free newsletter by clicking here.
Android Users, Click Here To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook Here Or Twitter Here.
Copyright 2022 The Free Press, LLC, tampafp.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Comments are closed.