MIAMI (WSVN) - A South Florida pet owner took matters into his own hands after, he said, armed intruders worked together to snatch two pricey parrots from his home, last week.
Surveillance cameras at Fernando Pena’s home, located along Southwest 62nd Court in Miami, captured the perpetrator as he snatched one African grey parrot from its cage, then the other, last Thursday. “They took two parrots that I had back there,” he said through a translator.
Surveillance video shows a pickup truck pulling up to Pena’s home, then pulling up again. Police said there were at least two people inside the vehicle.
With one subject believed to be waiting in the truck, the other is seen opening an unlocked gate and heading to the back patio with a sack. Moments later, he is seen stuffing the expensive birds into the bag.
A dog is seen barking at the subject, then running toward the gate as the man flees.
What the thief does not appear to realize is that Pena had heard the commotion. The security footage shows the flash from the homeowner’s shotgun as, he said, he opened fire at the intruder.
“When I came out here toward the individual, someone out here cocked his weapon and fired, and I returned fire,” said Pena.
Miami Police are searching for the subjects. “[The homeowner] saw those two men, approached them with his shotgun in hand, and when those two men took those two birds and were fleeing from the home, those two men started shooting back at the victim,” said Miami Police Officer Kenia Fallat. “Now, there was an exchange of gunfire.”
Moments later, the truck is seen taking off from the scene.
If you have any information on the thieves’ whereabouts, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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