Man arrested for stealing beloved exotic birds from Buckhead restaurant

Police have identified the man they say stole a trio of exotic birds from a Buckhead restaurant on Friday.

Investigators say Adam Deck, 48, stole three birds from the R. Thomas Deluxe Grill off Peachtree Street in Buckhead early Friday morning.

Security cameras outside the restaurant captured a pickup truck with a trailer pulling into the parking lot and then a man spray painting one of the cameras.

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Police say Deck used a pair of bolt cutters to remove the locks from the birds’ cages.

The birds, two cockatoos and a macaw named Ruby, Peaches and Cream, were found on Friday afternoon. The manager would not confirm where they were found.

Channel 2′s Bryan Mims reported during Channel 2 Action News at 6 p.m. on Friday that all three birds were in good condition and were being returned back home.

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Employees said the birds are like family.

“It’s very devastating because they’ve been here for so long, they’re part of our family,” manager Brittany Curren said. “Everybody in the neighborhood knows that they’re here. And they can bring their kids here and see the birds. It’s just something everybody enjoys.”

R. Thomas Deluxe Grill opened in 1985 and is known for offering a variety of organic, vegetarian and vegan menu items. But many locals also know the restaurant for their colorful birds outside.

Deck is currently being held in the Fulton County Jail on charges of theft by taking and property damage.

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