Police Monday sought the public’s help in identifying a man suspected of trying to rob an exotic bird from a pet store in Van Nuys.
The attempted theft, caught on surveillance video, occurred about 3:30 p.m. on April 28 in the 14000 block of Burbank Boulevard, near Hazeltine Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The suspect, pretending to be a customer, left and returned several times before grabbing the bird and trying to run out of the store, police said.
The cashier grabbed a stick and chased the man and was able to recover the bird, but the suspect got away.
He was described as Hispanic, 6 feet tall, 200 pounds with brown hair and eyes. He was wearing a black and white shirt, a black hat, brown pants and brown shoes.
Anyone with information about the suspect was urged to call the LAPD’s Van Nuys Station at (818) 374-0081 to speak with Detective Barba or Detective Cheun.
After hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to (877) LAPD-24-7.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222-TIPS.