Teens Arrested in Theft of Snakes, Frogs, and Turtle From Business

Back in November, Bend Police received a report of a burglary that had taken place overnight at Reptile Zone in the 500 block of NE Greenwood Avenue.

Security video showed two people wearing masks had removed an air conditioning unit from a window and entered the business, then stole three snakes, two frogs, a turtle, the business’s tip jar and other merchandise, including cages. The property stolen and damaged in the burglary totaled an estimated $3,054.

Community assistance and an investigation led Bend Police to identify a 17-year-old Bend resident as a suspect in the burglary.

On Tuesday, Dec. 27, officers contacted the 17-year-old at his home in the 1200 block of NW Lexington Avenue. The 17-year-old admitted that he and his girlfriend, Audrey Madison Groom, 18, had burglarized the business and stolen the animals. The stolen merchandise and reptiles were located in the couple’s residence. Officers recovered and released all merchandise and reptiles to the business owner.

Groom was arrested on charges of first-degree theft and second-degree burglary and transported to the Deschutes County Jail. The 17-year-old was arrested on charges of first-degree theft and second-degree burglary and booked into the Deschutes County Juvenile Detention Center.

All suspects are considered innocent until any/all charges are proven true against them in a court of law.