Trio charged in pet shop burglary case

OLDTOWN — Three juveniles were arrested Monday in connection with the burglary of an Oldtown pet store and charges are pending against a fourth.

Names of the juveniles are not being released, according to a Bonner County Sheriff's Office press release.

Arraignment is expected to be held today.

"Tips combined with information the owner provided resulted in the arrests," said Bonner County Sheriff Elaine Savage.

A red-tailed boa constrictor and a 14- to 16-inch alligator were stolen from the Newport Feed Store on July 20. The reptiles were found dead behind Jammers Tavern in Priest River after a three-day investigation.

Store owner Gary Vanderholm said he was told by police the animals had been found dead late last week and that there were suspects in the case. While disappointed and saddened by the animals' deaths, Vanderholm said he is pleased by the quick pace of the investigation.

"I feel a lot better about things," he added.

Vanderholm said a roll-up door in the back of the building was kicked in to gain entry to the pet store. The break-in occurred sometime between 5:30 p.m. on July 19 and 9 a.m. on July 20.

A new security system is in place and new pens are in the works so that thieves will "basically have to demolish the cages instead of cutting the locks" if they try to steal them in the future, Vanderholm said.

Vanderholm credited the community, deputies and customers for helping with the investigation.

"I know quite a few people went and talked to police," he added.

The snake was valued at $300 and the alligator, which can grow to be 12-15 feet long, was worth $150. A special permit is needed to own the alligator.

Vanderholm said he was surprised that the snake and alligator had been targeted for theft.

"They picked the two meanest animals I had in the store," he said. "I don't know why they chose those two and I'm sure they got bit a couple of times."