BWC: Officers detain man suspected of burglarizing pet store, find gerbils in pants

By Lauren Liebhaber
The Charlotte Observer

COLUMBUS, Ohio — An Ohio man is accused of breaking into a pet store and setting many of the animals loose, police said.

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Columbus Division of Police officers responded to reports of a break-in at a restaurant in the Hilliard shopping center around 3 a.m. July 9, WBNS reported.

Authorities learned that Petland, about 100 yards away from the restaurant, was also broken into, the station reported.

According to police, the door to the pet store was open and animals, including dogs, birds, ferrets, rabbits, and gerbils, were roaming free, WCMH reported.

Authorities rounded up several animals that were also found loose outside the store, WSYX reported.

Police found the suspect about an hour later, according to WCMH.

“We recovered several gerbils inside his pants,” Sgt. Joe Albert said in an interview with WBNS.

Petland owners told WSYX that several dog kennels were smashed with a rock.

A veterinarian was called to examine the animals, the station reported.

It is unclear what charges the suspect will face.

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