A bizarre incident unfolded at a Bass Pro Shops in Southwest Florida, leaving authorities puzzled as they search for a suspect involved in an unusual theft. Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputies are actively pursuing a male suspect accused of pilfering a 50-pound live tarpon from the store’s fish pond in Gulf Coast Town Center.
The suspect, described as a man, reportedly seized a fishing net from a store shelf, used it to scoop up the hefty tarpon, and swiftly exited the premises on Wednesday evening. The peculiar theft was captured on video by a witness using Snapchat, revealing the suspect wearing dark-colored pants, a navy blue T-shirt, and a fishing- or safari-style hat while carrying the live tarpon.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office shared the video on Facebook, injecting a touch of humor into the situation, stating, “LSCO is attempting to locate retail theft suspect. But not just your ‘normal retail theft. We guess you could say THIS one will o-fish-ially catch your eye.”
Authorities are collaborating with the Animal Cruelty Task Force, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and SWFL Crime Stoppers to identify and apprehend the individual responsible for this peculiar incident. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is actively investigating the case and pledged to provide updates as the investigation progresses.
This fishy theft has certainly raised eyebrows, leaving both the store and local law enforcement scratching their heads over the unusual choice of stolen merchandise.
Image/Source: FOX35
