Leopard-Print Onesie Clad Suspect Arrested After Columbus Pet Store Break-In

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A highly unusual heist at a west Columbus pet store ended with the arrest of a man clad in a leopard-print onesie who allegedly attempted to smuggle small rodents in his trousers.

The incident took place on July 9, 2024, at the Petland store located on the city's west side. According to the Columbus Division of Police, officers responded to an alarm at the business and discovered that a break-in had occurred. Inside the store, multiple cages had been opened, and several animals were set loose, wandering the sales floor.

Police quickly located the suspect nearby. Bodycam footage released by the department showed the arrest of the suspect, who was wearing a distinctive leopard-print onesie. During a search, officers made a surprising discovery: the suspect had hidden multiple hamsters and gerbils inside his pants in an attempt to steal them.

A spokesperson for the pet store confirmed that while some animals were distressed by the break-in, staff worked quickly to secure the loose pets and assess their health. Fortunately, the animals hidden in the suspect's pants were recovered safely and returned to their enclosures.

The suspect was taken into custody and subsequently charged with commercial breaking and entering, theft, and animal cruelty. During a court appearance on July 12, 2024, a judge set the suspect's bond at $10,000.