Intruder scared away by Big Mouth Billy Bass

A break-in at a bait and tackle shop showed signs that a burglar got startled by a singing fish and ran off.

February 5, 2014 at 5:53PM

Score one for the fish.

The crime scene of a break-in at a Rochester's Hooked on Fishing shop showed evidence that a burglar got scared off by a motion-activated, singing bass, authorities said.

The novelty bass, which had been hung near the door and would start singing "Take Me to the River" whenever someone entered the shop, was found on the floor after the intruder knocked it down as part of breaking the door to get in, according to the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office.

But the intruder appeared to have left in a hurry, without stealing anything -- not tackle nor cash that had been left in "a very visible spot," Sgt. Tom Claymon said.

The bass "took one for the team," Claymon said. "There were plenty of things to take but nothing was missing … other than Billy's pride"

about the writer

about the writer

Pam Louwagie

Reporter

Pam Louwagie is a regional reporter for the Minnesota Star Tribune. She previously covered courts and legal affairs and was on the newspaper's investigative team. She now writes frequently about a variety of topics in northeast Minnesota and around the state and region.

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