LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A man accused of stealing a flamingo from the Flamingo Hotel and Casino while drunk will face a jury this week.
The incident happened in March and took several months to reach trial.
What happened in March
Police say Mitchell Fairbarn, a tourist from Ontario, Canada, was seen on security camera hopping a fence to get inside the wildlife habitat at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino. The bird Fairbarn is accused of stealing is named Peachy.
“Basically, it started at 5:20. We got a phone call and a copy. And they said that someone was carrying a flamingo down the hall,” according to a 911 call.
Police say Fairbarn admitted he was drunk and wanted to take Peachy home. He also tried to pop its wing back into place, according to the arrest report.
Fairbarn was arrested on four counts of animal cruelty.
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Bail conditions and hotel changes
Fairbarn posted bail on March 9 under strict conditions:
- High-level electronic monitoring
- Stay out of the Strip
- Surrender his passport
- No animals allowed
Soon after, the Flamingo Hotel made changes to prevent copycats. A chain now keeps tourists and the flamingos a safe distance apart.
Case moves to trial
Since then, Fairbarn has stayed away from the courthouse for the first few months since his arrest.
The judge waived his requirement to appear in person and negotiations dragged on for months, and his case eventually moved to a higher court.
On July 7, Fairbarn pleaded not guilty.
His jury trial is set for October 13. Jury selection starts Tuesday.
Both sides expect the trial to last one week.
Peachy the flamingo is doing well. Sources shared pictures of Peachy with his mate, Bugsy. Sources say the two are always attached at the hip.
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