June 5, 2018 – The Santa Fe College Police Department has arrested one man in connection with the theft of animals from the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo. Twenty-year-old Sedrick Tyrezi Price, a resident of the apartment complex where the animals were found was arrested Tuesday afternoon.
“We have made an arrest in the case of the missing animals,” SFPD Captain Ryan Woods said. “He was arrested for his involvement in the case and is charged with grand theft. Our investigation is continuing, and we are still concerned for the safety of the missing animals and we hope we are able to recover them quickly.”
The SF Teaching Zoo was burglarized twice last month. Four animals, two gopher tortoises and two box turtles were taken the night on May 23. Seven animals, including three more box turtles, two red foot tortoises, a skink and a squirrel monkey, were taken the night of May 30.
A tip received by the SFPD led them to the Crossings at Santa Fe apartments Monday afternoon where seven animals were recovered; six from the second burglary and one box turtle from the original theft.
SF Teaching Zoo director Jonathan Miot said that the students and staff at the zoo were happy to see the animals that were recovered, but still very concerned about the missing animals, some of whom need medical attention.
“There was a lot of excitement Monday night,” Miot said. “Our students were the first ones to learn about the recovery and were able to get the animals back in their enclosures before word was sent out to the rest of the college.”
The SFPD says that even though an arrest was made, the investigation continues. They say more arrests are possible, and they are still hoping to recover the remaining four animals.
Anyone with information concerning the animals should call the SFPD at 352-395-5519.