Fowl play: Lawn penguin stolen

COLDWATER - Police are asking the public to help them identify the Grinch who stole a plastic Christmas penguin from a lawn last week.

The penguin was last spotted at 9:17 p.m. Thursday in the yard at 1114 Buckeye Drive, according to Coldwater Police Chief Jason Miller. The festive bird was chilling amid the house's Christmas light display in the company of two other penguins, each wearing a green and red striped scarf and Santa hat along with their usual tuxedos, when tragedy struck.

In a video posted on the Coldwater Police Department Facebook page, what appears to be a dual-axle pickup truck pulls up to the house and stops at the intersection of Buckeye Drive and Burkettsville-St. Henry Road. After a pause, a figure can be seen getting out of the truck and jumping over a strand of Christmas lights into the yard. Shortly thereafter, the suspected penguin-napper runs back to the truck, which then disappears after turning south on Burkettsville-St. Henry Road.

Police are asking citizens to look at the video closely to see if they recognize the vehicle. Miller said the only identifying information police have so far is that it appears to be a dual-axle pick-up truck with more lights than are standard.

The two remaining penguins have made no comment on the kidnapping, presumably shocked into silence. They continue to stand watch, hoping for the safe return of their missing friend.