A 40-pound tortoise named Howard, stolen from Scales ‘N Tails Exotic Reptile Pet Shop in Colorado Springs, has been safely recovered. The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) arrested 37-year-old Justin Edwards, who is also suspected of multiple other retail thefts in the area.

Investigation and Recovery

According to the CSPD, detectives quickly began investigating after receiving the report of Howard’s theft on June 17. Using information provided by the pet store, detectives identified Edwards as a suspect. He was located at a local hotel and taken into custody on June 18. Although Howard was not found with Edwards, detectives continued their investigation and conducted additional interviews, which led them to the tortoise’s location.

Howard was safely recovered and reunited with his owner, Robert Bohner, the store owner. The CSPD praised the community’s involvement in helping to bring Howard home, stating that information shared by the pet store, witnesses, and the public’s involvement on social media helped detectives develop the leads needed to recover the stolen tortoise.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.