One arrested, two sought in theft of exotic birds

WINDSOR POLICE NEWS RELEASE  
Case #: 26-69172  
One arrested, two sought in theft of exotic birds

The Windsor Police Service has arrested one suspect and is seeking two others following the theft of $30,000 worth of exotic birds.

On June 23, 2026, officers responded to a report of a break-and-enter at a residence in the 700 block of University Avenue East. Through investigation, officers learned that three masked suspects jumped a fence and entered an exotic bird coop on the property the previous evening. The suspects stole a total of 30 exotic birds from a bird coop before fleeing the area on foot. One of the birds was killed during the incident.

Investigators with the Windsor Police Target Base Unit quickly identified one suspect and worked with the Chatham-Kent Police Service to locate and arrest him in Chatham. Incident to the arrest, officers recovered 22 of the stolen birds. The remaining birds are still outstanding.

Husien Khalaf, 29, has been charged with: 

• Break-and-enter and commit theft over $5,000 in a place other than a dwelling 
• Wilfully causing unnecessary pain, suffering, or injury to an animal or bird 
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 
• Wearing a disguise with intent to commit an offence 

Investigators have also obtained an arrest warrant for Mahmoud Moe Khalaf, 19, who is described as a Middle Eastern male, approximately 5'5" tall, with a slender build, brown eyes, and short brown hair. 

Investigators are also searching for a third suspect, described as a male with tanned skin. At the time of the incident, he wore a green face mask, grey hoodie, black shorts, and black Nike shoes.  The suspect may go by the name "Darwish.” 

The two outstanding suspects are wanted on the following charges: 

• Break-and-enter and commit theft over $5,000 in a place other than a dwelling
• Wilfully causing unnecessary pain, suffering, or injury to an animal or bird
• Wearing a disguise with intent to commit an offence 

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Mahmoud Moe Khalaf or the identity of the third suspect is asked to contact the Windsor Police Service Target Base Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4350. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.