It started with a man demanding a ferret for his dog’s birthday — and ended with punches thrown, backpacks dropped, and deputies sorting out a very unusual theft.
According to a report from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to Petland after store employees reported a man had stolen a ferret and other merchandise, assaulted an employee, and was sitting in a red SUV in the parking lot.
When deputies arrived, the suspect was still inside his vehicle talking on the phone. He was later identified as Ben Justice.
Justice told deputies the store manager had stomped on his toe after refusing to sell him the ferret. He also claimed he had $15,000 and said staff would not run his credit card. Deputies detained Justice in a patrol vehicle while they went inside to figure out what actually happened.
Store employees said Justice had been coming in and out of Petland since earlier in the evening, repeatedly attempting to buy a ferret — which he reportedly wanted as a birthday gift for his dog.
Employees said Justice left at one point, went to another nearby store, then returned claiming he had funds available on his phone. Staff told him they could not process payment that way and advised he would need a card or tap-to-pay option.
That’s when things took a turn.
Employees reported Justice put the ferret into a backpack, grabbed additional merchandise including a starter kit, and walked out. One worker followed him outside and managed to recover the ferret — but deputies say Justice then struck the employee in the back of the head, causing him to fall.
A witness confirmed seeing Justice throw punches before walking back to his vehicle.
The ferret was safely recovered. The stolen merchandise was dropped during the confrontation, with only a starter kit reportedly making it to Justice’s car.
EMS evaluated Justice at the scene after he complained of a toe injury. He declined transport.
When deputies attempted to formally arrest Justice, he became uncooperative and refused to follow commands. After continued resistance — including ignoring multiple warnings — he was eventually transferred to another agency’s patrol vehicle and transported to the Lawrence County Jail.
Deputies also followed up with employees at a nearby hobby store, who reported Justice had been acting “sketchy” earlier in the evening and became angry when staff refused to hand merchandise over the counter.
Justice was booked into jail, and the case was closed by arrest.
What began as an unconventional shopping trip for a ferret turned into a parking-lot arrest — proving once again that when animals, backpacks, and birthday plans collide, things can unravel fast.