Pasadena home raid: More than $7,000 worth of exotic birds still missing after owner’s home was burglarized
PASADENA, Texas (KTRK) — A Pasadena woman is making a desperate plea for the return of her three beloved parrots taken during a home burglary Monday.
According to Pasadena Police, the accused burglar, Sammy Frank Pena, has been arrested. Four birds were recovered, but three are still missing.
“I am missing three members of our family. This is a kidnapping for me,” said Chelsea Lieder, the bird’s owner.
Lieder enlists the help of the public to find them.
“It’s heartbreaking. The only thing I can ask (is), if you know where my birds are, please bring them home. They’re not just pets to me, they’re family,” said Lieder.
Lieder told ABC13 she woke up Monday morning to find the Pasadena home she shares with her boyfriend had been broken into. The parrots that were housed in the garage were taken in first.
She went away for a short while and when she came back she said a car had driven into the driveway. She tried to stop the driver, but he took off.
Lieder called the Pasadena police, who were able to reach the car. Pena, 29, was arrested and is now charged with burglary in a house and possession of drugs.
“As soon as the cops and I opened the trunk, they flew to me and they were terrified,” Lieder explained.
Three of the birds were in the trunk. A fourth was in the back seat and Lieder fears where the others may be.
“It’s sad to imagine my pet somewhere in a cardboard box or in a horrible environment with bad people around them. I want them to be home safe,” she said.
He wants pet stores and prospective buyers to be aware. Lieder says the missing birds are worth more than $7,000 but are invaluable to her.
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