Ohio man arrested for breaking into Petland hid gerbils in his pants

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A man is in custody after reportedly breaking into several businesses in far west Columbus, including a Petland where several animals were released early Tuesday morning.

According to Columbus Police, officers arrived at the Petland store in Hilliard Station at 3:45 a.m. to find the door open and many animals running around freely, including birds, dogs, rabbits, gerbils and ferrets.

Officials on site managed to rescue most of the animals, except for a few gerbils, ferrets and rabbits.

Police said they were searching for a homeless man who also allegedly broke into a store at Roosters and Famous Footwear along Hilliard Rome Road. Blood was also found on some merchandise at the Famous Footwear crime scene.

The man was found about an hour later in the parking lot of a Big Lots on Roberts Road. Police said several gerbils were found unharmed in the man’s pants. The man was treated for injuries sustained while breaking into the store.