Stolen tortoise recovered, suspect arrested in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A 40-pound tortoise stolen from Scales 'N Tails Exotic Reptile Pet Shop has been safely recovered, and a suspect is now in custody.

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 before Howard was recovered.

Bohner said a man made a purchase at the store, and an employee went to retrieve the order from the back. According to Bohner, that's when the man pulled his car around, grabbed Howard and quickly drove away.

According to the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD), detectives quickly began investigating after receiving the report of Howard's theft on June 17.

Using information provided by the pet store, detectives say they were able to identify 37-year-old Justin Edwards as a suspect. According to police, Edwards was also involved in multiple other retail thefts around Colorado Springs.

On Thursday, June 18, CSPD says the suspect was located at a local hotel and taken into custody. Howard was not found with the suspect, so detectives say they continued their investigation and conducted additional interviews.

Police said those efforts led detectives to Howard's location. He was safely recovered and reunited with his owner.

"This is a great example of what can happen when our community partners with CSPD," the department said in a statement. "Information shared by the pet store, witnesses, and the public's involvement on social media helped detectives develop the leads needed to bring Howard home."

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