Two wanted, one arrested in exotic birds’ theft

Mahmoud Moe Khalaf (left) and a suspect believed to go by Darwish are wanted in an exotic birds theft investigation. (Source: Windsor Police Service/X)

Two are wanted and one has been arrested by the Windsor Police Service in a theft of exotic birds, worth approximately $30,000.

On Tuesday, police were called to a break-and-enter at a home in the 700 block of University Avenue East. They said three masked suspects jumped a fence and went into an exotic bird coop on the property, allegedly taking 30 birds before running.

One of the birds was killed during the theft, officers said.

One suspect was identified and arrested in Chatham, with the help of the Chatham-Kent Police Service. 22 of the stolen birds were recovered, however the remaining eight are still missing.

A 29-year-old man has been charged with:

• Break-and-enter and commit theft over $5,000 in a place other than a dwelling
• Willfully causing unnecessary pain, suffering, or injury to an animal or bird
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
• Wearing a disguise with intent to commit an offense

An arrest warrant for 19-year-old Mahmoud Moe Khalaf has been obtained by police. He is described as Middle Eastern, around 5 feet 5 inches tall, with a slender build, brown eyes, and short brown hair.

A third suspect is also wanted. He is described as a man with tanned skin. He was seen wearing a green face mask, a grey hoodie, black shorts, and black Nike shoes. Police say the suspect may go by the name Darwish.

The two remaining suspects are wanted on break-and-enter charges and causing unnecessary pain and suffering to an animal.

Anyone with information or who knows where the wanted suspects are, is asked to contact the WPS Target Base Unit at 519-255-6700 ext. 4350. Anonymous tips can also be sent to Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or made online.