Suspect steals baby parrot from Omar's Exotic Birds in Orange County

LAKE FOREST, Calif. (KABC) -- A suspect is wanted after the Orange County Sheriff's Department said he stole an expensive baby parrot from a Lake Forest store.

Employees at Omar's Exotic Birds told ABC7 the suspect walked into the store located on El Toro Road at about 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

The suspect staked out the place until workers helped another customers, then took off his hat, scooped the bird into the hat and ran for the door, according to employees.

Deputies said he jumped in a white, small four-door vehicle with Arizona plates.

Officials said a woman with blonde hair was driving and was last seen heading toward the 5 Freeway.

Omar's Exotic Birds told ABC7 the bird is an Apricot Headed Caique valued at more than $1,000.

The store is worried about the parrot's safety and health, as it is only four-months-old and still being hand-fed formula.