Federal air marshal stops break-in at his Hudson home, detains would-be thief, authorities say

HUDSON -- Richard Ware was watching TV at his home Monday morning when he saw a strange young man walking in his yard. Then the man, wearing a black, hooded sweatshirt, began picking and pulling at a window screen as if trying to get inside, authorities said.

Unbeknownst to the would-be burglar, Ware, 44, is a federal air marshal. Ware went outside, identified himself as an air marshal and told the suspect to stop, according to what he told deputies.

The man -- later identified as Keith M. Griffin (pictured), an unemployed Spring Hill man who will turn 23 on Saturday -- tried to walk away, according to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office. A report said Griffin went toward his yellow bike (later seized as evidence and valued at $1). Ware shouted, "Stop, police!" He said Griffin turned toward him, but he couldn't see his hands.

So Ware unholstered his off-duty weapon and steadied it at Griffin -- pointing it his direction, but at the ground. Griffin followed his commands as Ware's wife fetched his handcuffs and brought them outside. Ware handcuffed Griffin and waited for authorities to arrive.

Griffin told deputies that he was in the yard to catch a duck. He said he sells the ducks at auctions for about $15. His plan, he said, was to catch the duck and then ride to a friend's house on his bike, holding the duck by its wings.

Griffin is charged with attempted burglary and is being held in the Land O'Lakes jail in lieu of $5,000 bail.

-- Erin Sullivan, Times Staff Writer 

Comments

[Abby]

That sounds stupid. The guy probably have mental problems or is a terrible liar. I glad the homeowner was able to apprehend the criminal.

[Deano]

Yet another example of how our country is getting dumber and dumber. Congratulations Pasco County, home of the dumb-dumbs.

[Esther]

A duck?? On a bike?? That is about the dumbest thing I have heard yet!!! But then again after looking at his picture, I understand.

[mrknowitall]

a duck in the hand is worth 2 in the bush

[Leslie]

So sad a young man is that desperate. I pray for all troubled youth. He looks so scared .

[North Carolina John]

Yeah, He was scared alright, scared of getting caught. The last time I looked most of the ducks were outside and noth in another room of anyones house. Didn't you know he was running a Duck Taxi? No sympathy here, He was lucky he didn't get shot. Throw the book at him (or the duck) and get him off the street. Maybe his new cell mate will be called Quackers.

[shuturyap]

A lady walks into a bar with a duck under her arm......
Oh forget it, only quacks understand that joke.

[Football Hooligan]

He got a duck for a buck, a buck for a duck and he's still stuck with the same old duck. Almost as "stoopid" as the suspect! Peace!

[max]

Here ducky ducky

[Bobcat]

The duck was worth more than this idiots bike how sad lol bike 1.00 and duck 15.00 geeze no wonder he wanted the duck he couldnt even sell his bike for 1.00 lol

[Bob]

hey wifey - fetch -fetch - you can do it! Thats a good girl - good girl. Lay on your back and I'll rub your tummy! Really spt - fetch?

[TimfromIndiana]

He's lucky Mr. Ware didn't let him get inside and blow him away! Lock & load.

[cardinallady]

Ducks? Rick keeps ducks now? For those of you who don't know, rick could pass for incredible hulk. He could have thrown that little wimpy guy over his bike. He didn't need a gun.

[nickatdabeach]

Don't kid yourself. He sold those ducks to local chinese restaurants.

[Stephanie Payne]

Way to go Uncle Rick! I'm so proud of you! Boy did that guy ever pick on the wrong house!!