Cops: Fla. man stole ferret by shoving it in pants

Adam Stafford — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:14:33 +0000

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – It’s one thing for shoplifters to hide plunder in their pants. But a live ferret? Police said a homeless man in north Florida did just that. And he made it out the door before being challenged. Rodney Bolton, 38, was charged with theft over the $129 animal that police say he took from a pet store in Jacksonville Beach.

A 17-year-old witness confronted Bolton in the parking lot and was bitten by the animal after the man allegedly shoved it in the teen’s face.

That confrontation makes the ferret a "special weapon" under Florida law. So Bolton also faces battery charges for dangerously wielding the animal.

Calls to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Department to see if Bolton has a lawyer were not answered early Thursday.

POSTED: Oct 29, 2009

Fla. wildlife officer loses gator at show-and-tell

Adam Stafford — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:12:54 +0000

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. – Officials say a Florida Panhandle Fish and Wildlife officer lost a 5-foot alligator after bringing it to his daughter’s school for show and tell.

Searchers scoured a wooded area surrounding the school Friday afternoon. The alligator jumped out of the man’s vehicle Friday morning. The animal’s mouth was taped.

Fish and Wildlife Spokesman Stan Kirkland says alligators have "amazing" jumping ability and that allowed it to escape.

POSTED: Oct 30, 2009

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Cops: Fla. man stole ferret by shoving it in pants

Fla. wildlife officer loses gator at show-and-tell