The man who allegedly stole a shark from a pool at the San Antonio Aquarium had been practicing up for his heist for a month, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
A statement released by the Aquarium says an Aquarium employee recognized Antone Shannon as the man who came into the facility a month ago, claiming to be a representative of the company that supplies salt to the Aquarium, and offering to check the salt quality of the shark facility.
"The man told us that the company he worked for, Instant Ocean, had sent out bad batches of salt so it was necessary to test our water," the Aquarium said.
The statement says Shannon spent 'hours' with an Aquarium employee on a Monday about a month ago, collecting samples from our tanks to take tests.
"We believe that the root of his plan was to get a behind the scenes look so he could figure out what to steal and the best way to do it."
Shannon is free on $10,000 bond on a State Jail Felony theft charge.The 15 inch long shark, called Miss Helen, was found in a 900 gallon aquarium in Shannon's garage, and is recuperating back at the Aquarium.
PHOTO' LEON VALLEY POLICE DEPARTMENT