Suspect Arrested For Stealing Parrot From Steckel Park Bird Aviary

Wednesday January 11, 2023

(Photos courtesy VCSO)

    The Ventura County Sheriff's Office says that they've rescued 35-year-old "Julie" from her abductor.

     "Julie" is an Umbrella Cockatoo parrot who was stolen from her home in the bird aviary in Steckel Park near Santa Paula earlier this month.

     The caretakers at the aviary were tending to their chores around 3 AM on the morning of January 4th when they discovered the wire to the aviary had been cut and "Julie" was gone.

     Sheriff's investigators began to develop information through social media and received an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers that led them to a suspect, 35-year Michael Wear of Santa Paula.

     He was arrested and charged with Grand Theft and Grand Theft of a Domestic Fowl worth over $950 (they estimate "Julie" is worth $2500).

     Wear posted bail and was released from jail Wednesday.

     Meanwhile, detectives say they located and rescued "Julie" from an acquaintance of Wear's in Santa Clara County and she was returned to the aviary in Santa Paula to be reunited her caretakers.