7.9.24 – Columbus Dispatch
Columbus police arrested a man who broke into at least three Hilliard businesses early Tuesday and, in the process, released several animals from a Petland. When officers took him into custody, he had several gerbils in his pants, according to a department spokesman.
The man faces several burglary charges after police said he broke into Roosters, Petland and Famous Footwear at the Hilliard Station Shopping Center, stealing items from each business — including shoes, liquor and the gerbils, Columbus Police Spokesman James Fuqua said.
The break-ins happened about 4 a.m., and police said the burglar released several animals from their cages, Fuqua said.
The gerbils found in the burglar’s pants all survived their encounter and were returned to the store, Fuqua said.
The man will appear in court Wednesday on charges of vandalism and breaking and entering.