Man arrested for west Columbus Petland break-in had gerbils hidden in pants
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A man is in custody after reportedly breaking into several businesses in the far west side of Columbus, including a Petland where multiple animals were set loose early Tuesday morning.
According to Columbus police, officers arrived at the Petland store in Hilliard Station at 3:45 a.m. and found an open door. Many animals were roaming free, including birds, dogs, rabbits, gerbils and ferrets.
Officers at the scene were able to recover most of the animals save for a few gerbils, ferrets and rabbits.
Columbus police recovered several animals set free at a Petland in Hilliard Station, July 9, 2024. (Courtesy/Sgt. Joe Albert) 
Columbus police recovered several animals set free at a Petland in Hilliard Station, July 9, 2024. (Courtesy/Sgt. Joe Albert) 
Columbus police recovered several animals set free at a Petland in Hilliard Station, July 9, 2024. (Courtesy/Sgt. Joe Albert)
Police said they were looking for a homeless man, who also allegedly broke into a Roosters and a Famous Footwear along Hilliard Rome Road. At the Famous Footwear crime scene blood was also found on some of the merchandise.
The man was located about an hour later in the parking area of a Big Lots on Roberts Road. Police said several gerbils were found unharmed inside the man’s pants. The man was treated for injuries sustained while breaking into the businesses.