When police officers receive a call from the dispatch center sending them to a local home or area establishment, they never really know what they will encounter. They may end up providing assistance to an assault victim, issuing a citation for public intoxication or even making an arrest for domestic violence. Needless to say, they have to be prepared for anything.
Interestingly, one Connecticut police officer recently made a felony arrest in a situation for which no amount of training or preparation could likely have ever prepared him.
According to reports, a Waterbury police officer was dispatched to a city intersection at around 10 p.m. this past Tuesday to break up a physical altercation involving two men.
Upon his arrival at the scene, the officer identified one of the suspects and began to chase after him. The suspect responded by turning around and flinging a parrot directly at the officer before taking off down the street.
Seeking to protect himself, the officer raised his hand to his face but was bitten on the finger by the obviously frightened parrot and had to be treated at the scene for his injuries.
The owner of the parrot eventually came forward and said the animal had been stolen from him by the suspect.
As for the parrot-throwing suspect, he was eventually found hiding in the bathroom of a nearby building and placed under arrest. He was later charged with a multitude of very serious crimes, including assault on a police officer, theft, second-degree burglary and cruelty to animals.
While this story is certainly colorful, it's imperative not to lose sight of the fact that the suspect is facing very serious charges that could not only result in fines and incarceration, but also a permanent criminal record. In these situations, it's imperative to consider speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney to learn more about your rights and your options.
Source: The Courant, "Man throws parrot at Waterbury officer," David Owens, Oct. 17, 2013