Tuesday, January 17, 2012
oddly enough
Fugitive’s suit against Kansas hostages dismissed
TOPEKA, Kan.
A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a Colorado man who held a Kansas couple hostage then sued them for breach of contract for turning him in.
Jesse Dimmick of Denver contended he had a legally binding oral contract with Jared and Lindsay Rowley that they’d hide him from police in return for money.
Dimmick was a fugitive facing a murder charge when he burst into the Rowleys’ home in September 2009 and confronted them at knifepoint. The Rowleys escaped when he fell asleep.
Dimmick later was convicted of kidnapping and other charges, and the Rowleys sued him for more than $75,000 in damages. Dimmick counter-sued, seeking $160,000 for hospital bills and $75,000 for pain and suffering.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports a judge dismissed the suit Jan. 9.
Oregon farmer’s stolen rabbits returned
PORTLAND, Ore.
Portland police say more than a dozen rabbits reported stolen the night before a rabbit-cooking class have been returned by bunny advocates who had been caring for them.
Members of the volunteer group Rabbit Advocates say they’re trying to buy the bunnies so they can live as pets.
Police say 18 rabbits belonging to farmer Levi Cole disappeared Jan. 7. Cole says the theft occurred the night before he taught a class on raising, slaughtering and cooking rabbits.
Cole is an instructor for the Portland Meat Collective. He believes the theft was politically motivated. Police have no suspects.
Rabbit Advocates board member Erin Ford says the bunnies were dumped anonymously at the home of a volunteer.
Police Lt. Robert King said 17 rabbits were picked up Friday from the advocates’ lawyer’s office. King says police still are looking for one small, gray rabbit named Roger. Ford says she believes he’s still in foster care.
Out of room, Massachusetts man gives up 94 hamsters
LAWRENCE, Mass.
A Massachusetts man has turned over 94 hamsters to a local animal shelter, telling officials he was running out of room in his apartment.
The director of the shelter says the rodents were well cared for and will make nice pets.
Shelter director Mike Keiley tells the Eagle-Tribune that the hamsters’ owner, whom he didn’t identify, stopped by this month and said he had a lot of hamsters to surrender.
A Lawrence animal-control officer says the man was “overwhelmed” when officials came to get the hamsters Friday, and initially wanted to keep a few. But she says he changed his mind.
Officials say the man started keeping the hamsters about five years ago.
Associated Press