Beloved tortoise stolen from Scales ‘N Tails reptile pet store

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A 40-pound tortoise has been stolen from Scales 'N Tails Exotic Reptile Pet Shop

On Tuesday, June 17, around 6:40 p.m., Howard the tortoise was taken from his outdoor pen, according to a Facebook post from Scales 'N Tails.

“We ultimately just want Howard to come home. Please, if you got him, take care of him, and bring him right back to us," store owner Robert Bohner said.

Bohner said a man made a purchase at the store, and an employee went to grab the order from the back.

According to Bohner, that's when the man pulled his car around, grabbed Howard and quickly took off in his car.

Bohner said Howard spends a lot of time in the outdoor pen during the summer, enjoying the sunlight and fresh air.

“The public loves to pet him and interact with him while he’s out here, and he’s always under close watch by our staff members. This is the first and only time anybody’s ever done this or attempted to do this,” Bohner said.

Howard has been the store's resident pet since 2011. He greets customers when they walk into the store, even helping some get over their fear of reptiles.

“For the last 15 years, Howard has lived in the shop. He has free-roamed. Countless children have grown up knowing Howard,” Bohner said.

They are seeking any information about Howard's abductor and are encouraging people to share their Facebook post to spread the word.

CSPD said they are actively investigating this incident and were given information about a person of interest from Scales 'N Tails.

If anyone has any information about this crime, they can call CSPD's non-emergency line at 719-444-7000, or they can remain anonymous by contacting Pikes Peak Crime Stoppers at 719-634-STOP.

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