Deputies find deer instead of burglar

PINELLAS COUNTY - Pinellas County deputies looking for a supposed burglar got a big surprise Saturday afternoon.

They entered a home with a smashed-in window in the East Lake area to find a large deer running around, trying to get out.

The Sheriff's Office received a call around 1 p.m. Saturday from a neighbor who said a nearby house had a smashed window, which had earlier been intact, and the homeowners were out of town.

Deputies arrived at the house and found a bit of fresh blood on the kitchen floor, near the smashed window, and heard noise coming from the back of the residence. Whilethey were investigating, the frightened deer charged out of another room and began running around, looking for a way out.

According to the Sheriff's Office, the deputies opened the garage door and, using towels, were able to direct the deer out of the home. The deer ran off into the Brooker Creek Preserve.

Deputies reported that the deer was about 190 lbs. and appeared to be in good health. They noticed a small cut on one of its hind legs, presumably from jumping through the window.

Deputies say the homeowners had yet to be reached as of Sunday morning, and neighbors were helping to board up the broken window.