Bird returned, man arrested

TAMPA -- A 24-year-old man phoned the manager of a local pet store late Monday, telling the clerk he wished to return "Skittles," a parrot that had been stolen from the store on Thursday.

After arranging to meet authorities in the parking lot of a local fast food restaurant around 10 p.m, Henry John Roman, 24, of Tampa, was charged with felony grand theft after turning the bird over to deputies.

Known for saying "I'm a Rottweiler" and "Hi, sexy," Skittles is worth $1,899.99 at the Petland West Tampa store, 7699 W Waters Ave., said store manager Sue Waugaman.

"My heart is smiling," Waugaman said.

 

-- Casey Cora, Times staff writer