Ocoee exotic pet store burglarized

Imperial Reptiles & Exotics owner Alejandro Estrada said the suspect stole nine animals, including his pet black dragon, Onyx.

By Michael Eng
| 10:01 a.m. December 17, 2022

West Orange Times & Observer
News

This is an image of the suspect captured from security cameras.

A burglar targeted an Ocoee exotic pet store overnight and stole a number of reptiles, including the owner's pet black dragon, Onyx.

Imperial Reptiles & Exotics owner Alejandro Estrada is asking for the community's help locating the suspect and recovering the animals.

We need the community's help," Estrada said. "We are a small business — just moved here two years ago. We are asking people in the reptile hobby to please keep your eyes out for these animals. I know it’s a tight-knit community, and I'm hopeful we can recover some of these animals — especially our pet black dragon, Onyx.

"We have video footage of the suspect taking animals and a pretty clear shot of his face," Estrada said. "When they’re found, these people will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law."

According to Estrada, there stolen animals include:

• Emerald tree boa

• Green tree monitor, female

• Three-foot black dragon

• Dunner bearded dragon

• Aru Green tree python

• Three baby Sulcata tortoises

• Three-legged bearded dragon

Click here for a video of the damage. Anyone with information is asked to contact the shop via email at [email protected].

author

Michael Eng

As a child, Editor and Publisher Michael Eng collected front pages of the Kansas City Star during Operation Desert Storm, so it was a foregone conclusion that he would pursue a career in journalism. He holds a journalism degree from the University of Missouri — Columbia School of Journalism. When he’s not working, you can find him spending time with his wife and three children, or playing drums around town. He’s also a sucker for dad jokes.