Woman Arrested After Allegedly Stealing $2,400 Bird From Store in Oldsmar

Florida: A 54-year-old woman from Largo was arrested on Sunday for allegedly stealing a rare exotic bird valued at $2,400 from a pet store in Oldsmar. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office apprehended Grissel Nistal after identifying her through surveillance footage and social media tips. The stolen bird, a black-headed Caique, was safely returned to the store owners, who are grateful for the swift response of the public and authorities.

The Theft Caught on Camera

The incident occurred at Everything Birds, a pet store located in the Oldsmar Flea Market on Racetrack Road. According to the sheriff’s office, Nistal was caught on surveillance video taking the baby bird from a container where guests could interact with the animals. The footage shows Nistal placing the bird in her purse and leaving the store without paying. Kirsten Cunningham, one of the store’s owners, emphasized the importance of the bird’s care, explaining that the baby Caique required regular hand-feeding and formula, making its theft even more concerning. The bird was in a delicate stage of its development, and its health could have been jeopardized without proper care.

Social Media and Quick Action

After realizing the bird was missing, store owners shared the surveillance video on social media, hoping to identify the suspect. The post quickly gained attention, and within a day, two individuals contacted the store via social media, identifying Nistal as the person seen in the footage. The community’s involvement proved instrumental in resolving the case. Using the information provided by the public, detectives were able to locate Nistal at her home in Largo. After speaking with law enforcement, Nistal agreed to return the bird. She was subsequently arrested and charged with grand theft.

Safe Return of the Exotic Bird

Thanks to the timely efforts of the store owners, the public, and law enforcement, the black-headed Caique was safely returned to Everything Birds in good health. The bird was immediately put back on its hand-feeding schedule, and Cunningham reported that the young Caique appeared to be doing well. In a heartwarming conclusion, the store’s owners shared a post on Facebook updating their followers on the bird’s status. They even decided to give the bird a fitting name: “BANDIT,” in honor of the theft and its safe return.

This incident highlights the vital role of community cooperation and the effectiveness of social media in solving local crimes. The quick identification and return of the stolen bird were a relief to the owners and customers of Everything Birds, who feared for the bird’s health and safety during its brief disappearance.