Created: 10/28/2009 8:43:00 AM 
JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. -- Perhaps it seemed like a good idea at the time, and the good news is the ferret wasn't injured after its wild ride.
According to the Jacksonville Beach Police Department, a homeless man stole a ferret from the Pet Supermarket on Beach Boulevard Tuesday.
A witness says he saw the man stuff the ferret down the front of his pants and leave the store. The witness then notified employees and followed the man outside to confront him.
A fight broke out when the witness tried to get the terrified ferret back.
Police say the suspect pulled the animal from his pants and used it as a sort of weapon, "aggressively" pointing it at the witness, then squeezing the ferret, which became agitated and lunged at the witness.
The witness sustained two puncture wounds to his ear after being bitten.
But the ferret is no worse for the wear and was returned to the relative safety of its cage in the store.
Rodney Tom Bolton, 38, was arrested and faces charges of retail theft and battery.
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