Stolen Shark Recovered, One Man in Custody

Leon Valley Police say the year old horn shark named Helen that was stolen in a bizarre theft from the San Antonio Aquarium was found safe last night, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.

Magistrate Court records show a 38 year old man is facing a charge of theft between $750 and $2000 in connection with the case.  Two other suspects captured in a well circulated security camera photo, remain at large, but police say they are on their tail.

San Antonio Aquarium General Manager Jenny Spellman tells News Radio 1200 WOAI's Morgan Montalvo the theft took place over the weekend, when  the three approached a tank where people can touch the fish.

"They came in through our back entrance, through our gift shop, and unfortunately, due to the large volume of people we had during the day, they weren't noticed."

The three then wrapped the shark in a blanket and smuggled it out in a baby stroller.

Police say they got the license plate of the car through surveillance video, and that enabled them to make the arrest.

The shark is under observation at the Aquarium.  Spellman says young horn sharks are small and pretty tough.

"In theory they can survive for small amounts of time in a smaller enclosure, but it can get pretty iffy," she said.

PHOTO' LEON VALLEY POLICE DEPARTMENT.  USED BY PERMISSION


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