Woman arrested after being filmed stealing exotic bird

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) – Detectives arrested a Largo woman on grand theft charges after surveillance showed her stealing an exotic bird, valued at $2,400.

According to the release, on Sept. 7 at approximately 9:52 a.m., officers responded to Everything Birds, located in the Oldsmar Flea Market at 180 Racetrack Road, for a theft. Detectives learned that a woman entered the store during business hours and stole an exotic bird, a black-headed caique.

Investigators say the suspect was seen on surveillance video removing the bird from a container where customers can pet and interact with the animals. The suspect is seen quickly placing the bird in her large purse before exiting the store.

The store owners provided surveillance video to local media to help identify the suspect. On September 8, two anonymous citizens contacted the store owners via social media, identifying the suspect as 54-year-old Grissel Flores Nistal.

Investigators contacted Nistal at her home in Largo. She agreed to surrender the bird and was taken into custody.

Nistal was charged with one count of robbery and transported to the Pinellas County Jail.

The bird was returned to its owner and was in good health.