ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla (CBS12) — A suspected burglar dressed for happy hour instead of a police lineup is now known across St. Lucie County as the “Flamingo Bandit.”
The nickname comes courtesy of the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, which is searching for a man photographed wearing a tropical shirt dominated by a giant pink flamingo.
“Some criminals try to blend in,” the agency wrote. “This one apparently took fashion advice from a Jimmy Buffett concert.”
But deputies said the man’s alleged itinerary involved burglary, not boats, beaches or frozen drinks.
Investigators said the suspect entered a residence on July 28 and stole a laptop, miscellaneous food and a key to the home. Deputies allege he then returned later that same day and used the stolen key to get inside a second time.
St. Lucie County deputies are searching for the “Flamingo Bandit,” accused of entering a home twice while wearing a tropical pink-flamingo shirt. This image was enhanced for clarity. (SLCSO)
The sheriff’s office shared an image of the flamboyantly dressed suspect, hoping his difficult-to-miss wardrobe will help someone identify him.
“While we can appreciate a memorable wardrobe, we can’t overlook burglary,” the agency wrote.
Anyone who recognizes the man or has information about the case is asked to call the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office at 772-462-7300 or email Deputy V. Ancewicz at PatrolTips@stluciesheriff.com.
As the sheriff’s office put it, “Crime doesn’t get a free pass just because it’s dressed for paradise.”