Crime & Safety
Exotic Bird Stolen From FL Flea Market: Pinellas County Sheriff
A woman stole an exotic bird worth $2,400 from a shop at the Oldsmar Flea Market Saturday morning, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said.
OLDSMAR, FL — A Largo woman faces charges after stealing an exotic bird from a shop at Oldsmar Flea Market, 180 Racetrack Road, Saturday morning, according to a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office news release.
Grissel Nistal, 54, was charged with grand theft.
Video surveillance footage shows her stealing the bird, a black headed caique worth $2,400, from Everything Birds just before 10 a.m., the sheriff’s office said.
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She was seen removing the bird from a container where guests can pet and interact with the animals. She placed the bird into her large purse before leaving the store.
The store owners shared the video with local news outlets seeking help to identify the woman.
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Two anonymous citizens contacted the owners through social media on Sunday to identify Nistal, the sheriff’s office said.
When detectives contacted her at her home, Nistal agreed to return the bird and was taken into custody.
The bird was returned to the store owner and was in good health, the sheriff’s office said.
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