Couple Charged With Stealing Tortoise From Reptile Pet Shop: Cops

WEST ISLIP, NY - A Selden couple were arrested on Monday for stealing a tortoise from a West Islip reptile store last week, according to Suffolk Police.

Christopher Schlit, 37, of Selden, and Kristen Patterson, 36, of Selden were arrested for stealing the tortoise from Repxotica Rare Reptiles located on 19 Udall Road on Sept. 2, police said.

Both were charged with petty larceny.

The tortoise was returned to the owner.

The duo were caught on surveillance stealing the leopard tortoise from the store. The two distracted an employee before walking away with the reptile.

Photos courtesy of Repxotica Reptiles