AMERICAN FORK -- A woman was detained by American Fork police at about 6:30 p.m. Friday after she threw a cage of dead birds at a grocery store cashier.
American Fork Police Lt. Andy Hale said the woman, who has a history of mental illness, argued with the Albertson's cashier about the price of a frying pan. She also claims that toxic fumes from the pan had killed her pet birds."It was like she believed it was a conspiracy that killed her birds," Hale said.
After arguing with the clerk, the woman left the store. But she immediately returned, carrying a cage filled with eight dead white and yellow parakeets.
"The woman threw the bird cage, which came apart and scattered dead birds all over the check stand," Hale said. It appeared the birds' necks had been broken before they were thrown at the cashier.
Police do not know if the woman killed the birds.
The woman also threw the frying pan, nearly striking a small child, police said.
Police believe she is the same woman who earlier that day "growled" at customers at the Animal Ark, a store adjacent to Albertson's.
Owners of the pet store also called police about her strange behavior. Hale said no arrests are anticipated because of the woman's history of suffering a bipolar disorder. She was released to a family member after being detained for a short time.