Portland teen charged in extortion by rabbit

PORTLAND – A Portland teen has been charged with stealing a pet bunny and trying to extort money from the bunny’s owner.

The 17-year old, who is being held at the Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland, is accused of breaking into another teen’s apartment and stealing the gray pygmy rabbit. Police say he then telephoned the rabbit’s owner demanding repayment of a $100 debt or else the rabbit would be hurt.

Police Lt. Tony Ward said officers recovered the rabbit in good condition. They charged the teen with burglary and theft in connection with the break-in.

The juvenile is also charged with robbery, assault and terrorizing after a confrontation Friday in which he allegedly stole another teen’s skateboard, backpack and pocket money.