Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Detectives from the Burglary & Pawn Unit have arrested a Largo woman for Grand Theft after surveillance footage captured her stealing an exotic bird.
On September 7, 2024, at approximately 9:52 a.m., deputies responded to a theft at Everything Birds, a store located in the Oldsmar Flea Market at 180 Racetrack Road.
According to detectives, the suspect, a female, entered the store during business hours and stole a Black Headed Caique, an exotic bird valued at $2,400. Surveillance video showed the suspect removing the bird from a container where guests can interact with the animals. She then placed the bird into a large purse and exited the store.
The store owners shared the surveillance footage with local news outlets to help identify the suspect. On September 8, 2024, two anonymous citizens contacted the store via social media, identifying the suspect as 54-year-old Grissel Flores Nistal.
Detectives later made contact with Nistal at her Largo residence. She agreed to return the bird and was taken into custody. Nistal was charged with one count of felony grand theft and transported to the Pinellas County Jail. The bird was returned to its owner in good health.