Pair allegedly try to swap stolen lizard for booze

[December 23, 2009]  MOREHEAD, Ky. (AP) -- Police arrested two men after they stole a lizard from an animal hospital and tried to pawn it for alcohol. Police told The Ledger Independent that 44-year-old man and an 18-year-old teen stole the 18-inch bearded dragon from Eagles Landing Pet Hospital last week.

Officers later got a tip that two men had tried to pawn a reptile. When the attempt failed, police said the men went to at least two liquor stores and tried to trade the lizard for alcohol. The men were arrested not long afterward.

The lizard, known as "Big," is back at the veterinary clinic.

The 44-year-old man was released Monday from the Rowan County Detention Center after posting $500 bond. The teen was still being held Tuesday for the same amount.

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Information from: The Ledger Independent, http://www.maysville-online.com/

[Associated Press]

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