Columbus, United States - July 09, 2024

Matthew Pancake found himself in a peculiar predicament early Tuesday morning when Columbus police arrested him for allegedly breaking into a pet store and other businesses on the city's west side, with hamsters found hidden in his pants.

The incident unfolded around 3 a.m. when officers responded to a break-in at Roosters on Nike Station Way near Hilliard. Security footage revealed a man in leopard-print pajamas, later identified as Pancake, inside the restaurant. Nearby, Petland had also been broken into, leading to the escape of several animals, including dogs, birds, a hamster, and bunnies seen running in the parking lot.

Police discovered Pancake around 4:45 a.m., asleep on a bench near Big Lots on Roberts Road. Bodycam footage captured the moment officers woke Pancake and informed him of his arrest for breaking and entering.

During a search, officers found Pancake concealing four hamsters and bedding inside his pajamas. Initially mistaken for gerbils, the hamsters were promptly returned to the store after being photographed as evidence.

Pancake sustained injuries during the alleged break-ins and was subsequently treated before being charged with breaking and entering, as well as vandalism. He is scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday.