CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) - A rare tortoise has been returned to a Clearwater pet store, more than a month after police say surveillance footage showed a Largo woman stealing the palm-sized animal.
Clearwater police said in a news release that 41-year-old Nicole Perry was arrested Wednesday and faces a charge of retail theft.
Police say Perry put the Sulcata tortoise, valued at $300, into her purse on Dec. 23 and walked out of the store.
Authorities say a tip led them to Perry's home, where they found the tortoise. The animal was returned to the store later that day.
It is unclear whether Perry has an attorney.
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