Cops Kick In Door After Hearing "Help Me, Help Me"

Save

Posted: 2:57 PM Sep 6, 2008
Last Updated: 2:57 PM Sep 6, 2008

7 comments

A | A | A

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- Cries for help inside a Trenton, N.J., home turned out to be for the birds. Neighbors called police Wednesday morning after hearing a woman's persistent cry of "Help me! Help me!" coming from a house. Officers arrived and when no one answered the door, they kicked it in to make a rescue.

But instead of a damsel in distress, officers found a caged cockatoo with a convincing call.

It wasn't the first time the 10-year-old bird named Luna said something that brought authorities to the home of owner Evelyn DeLeon.

About seven years ago, the bird cried like a baby for hours, leading to reports of a possible abandoned baby and a visit to the home by state child welfare workers. But it was only Luna practicing a newfound sound, DeLeon says.

DeLeon says her bird learns much of her ever-growing vocabulary from watching television, in both English and Spanish.

More Stories
Memorial Parade On Ocracoke Island

Overnight Shooting In Downtown Greenville

OFFICIALS: Husband And Wife Dead After Murder-Suicide

Search For Missing Teen In Pamlico County Waters

Officials: Missiles Show N. Korea Skills Improving

More Than 1 Million Seek Tix For Jackson Memorial

Palin Takes To Web For Hints Of Political Future

Man Drags SC Officer During Stop

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Debbie Location: Greenville on Sep 9, 2008 at 11:03 AM
I disagree that the driving age of a teenager needs to be raised.In the state of NC, I believe you are considered to be an adult at the age of 16.So, if they are considered to be an adult, then they should have adult responsibilities. I say leave the age as is and if a 16 yr old adult wants to drive, then let that person be responsible and get a part-time job to buy them a used car(instead of the parents spoiling them)and get and pay for their own car insurance. This, in my opinion, will be the only thing to help them appreciate what they have and maybe not get in an accident. They will be more careful, but you have to remember, even some of them are going to get in accidents, it just happens, even to the complaining "supposedly grown adults".

Posted by: The Po-Po Location: Greenville on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Lynn, it is a cockatoo, not a cockatiel. Cockatiels do not talk as well as their bigger "cousins" do. And "I hate birds" as long as the Officers acted in good faith, which sounds like they did, the door isreplaced by the homeowner. The police had no way of knowing that the cries inside were from a bird, and obviously the neighbors did not either since they called the police to begin with! Why should tax payers fix that door?

Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Sep 7, 2008 at 02:17 PM
Funny story.:) It's good to read something entertaining.

Posted by: Cat Location: Gboro on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:05 AM
That is funny! Bet the cops didn't really think so though...

Posted by: I hate birds now on Sep 7, 2008 at 12:04 AM
I'd kill that bird when the cops left, who has to replace the door?

Posted by: eastern nc er Location: wash. on Sep 6, 2008 at 07:48 PM
Cute story!

Posted by: lynn Location: nc on Sep 6, 2008 at 07:36 PM
this is soooo funny, that sure is a smart bird and adorable. i have a cockateil they are amazing

Posted by: bird owner Location: goldsboro on Sep 6, 2008 at 07:34 PM
that is so cool,but not for the cops!!!!!!!!

Click one of the pictures below to see more or to upload your own photos and videos.

	CarSoup Search inventory from local dealers and private sellers.

	Rental Guide Video tours to help you find your next apartment.

	Double Dollar Deals Save 50% from local merchants.

	Classifieds THE place to buy and sell items. Most ads free.

	Experts Got a question? Ask Eastern Carolina's Experts.

	Business Break Two minutes of info from local businesses.

	Attorneys On Call Free legal information on a variety of topics.

	Video Home Tours Tour Eastern Carolina homes from your computer.