Police Bust Parrot Smuggler

[Bob]

FRONT ROYAL, VA-December 7, 2005 - The story about the kid with a penguin in his backpack turned out to be an urban legend. But police say a man with a rare parrot in his backpack is the real deal.

Thomas Edward Lee the Third is charged with felony shoplifting, after he allegedly put an African Grey parrot in his bag at a Virginia pet store.
Off-duty Fairfax County police officer Terry Leach happened to be in the place to buy ferret food. Leach and a pet store worker detained Lee until an animal control officer arrived and made the bust.

Lee is free on $2,500 bond and has a court appearance scheduled for later this month.

[Rottnbelle]

Hope the parrot isn't expected to testify against him in court - LOL