Windsor police have arrested one suspect and are searching for two more following the theft of 30 exotic birds valued at $30,000 from an east-side residence. The incident occurred on the evening of June 22 in the 700 block of University Avenue East.
Details of the Heist
According to police, three masked men jumped a fence and entered an exotic bird coop on the property. They allegedly stole 30 exotic birds before fleeing on foot. During the incident, one of the birds was killed.
Investigators from the Windsor Police Service's target base unit identified a suspect and worked with the Chatham-Kent Police Service to locate and arrest the man in Chatham. Authorities also recovered 22 of the stolen birds.
Charges and Suspects
A 29-year-old man has been charged with break-and-enter and commit theft over $5,000 in a place other than a dwelling, wilfully causing unnecessary pain, suffering, or injury to an animal or bird, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and wearing a disguise with intent to commit an offence.
An arrest warrant has been issued for a second suspect — a 19-year-old man described by police as Middle Eastern, approximately five-foot five-inches tall, with a slender build, brown eyes, and short brown hair. The third suspect is described as a male with tanned skin who wore a green face mask, grey hoodie, black shorts, and black Nike brand shoes.
The two outstanding suspects are wanted on charges of break-and-enter and commit theft over $5,000 in a place other than a dwelling, wilfully causing unnecessary pain, suffering, or injury to an animal or bird, and wearing a disguise with intent to commit an offence.
Police Appeal for Information
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of either suspect is asked to contact the Windsor Police Service target base unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4350. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Windsor and Essex County Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.
