JUST FOR FUN: Rooster Day mascot abducted on multiple occasions
Demopolis and Livingston police continue to investigate the kidnapping of Brewster the Rooster – not once but twice.
A third attempt to kidnap the beloved Rooster Day mascot was foiled by intrepid attorney Hunter Compton.
The perpetrator, who goes only by the initials “KK,” first removed Brewster March 7 from in front of the Coplin Building on East Washington Street where the six-foot fowl was advertising the inaugural Rooster Day April 9.
“KK,” speaking through Robertson Banking Company branch manager Allen “Bugsy” Bishop, demanded a ransom of two Rooster Day t-shirts, in sizes medium and double-extra large.
The felon also said, “Let’s not get the ‘po-po’ (police) involved. If Police Chief Tommie Reese was alerted, “Brewster will be fried.”
“KK” instructed Kirk Brooker, executive director of the Marengo County Historical Society, to drop off the two shirts to Bishop in exchange for how to find Brewster. The MCHS is sponsoring Rooster Day.
The rooster was returned without incident, and Brewster even made his next appointment at Foster Farms on time.
However, “KK” claimed he only received one shirt. Rooster Day organizers said there were not double-X t-shirts available.
In what appears to be a revenge action for his demands not being met, “KK” tried a second time to take Brewster from the offices of Manley, Traeger, Perry, Stapp and Compton (MTPSC) on North Walnut. However, attorney Compton caught him in the act and rescued Brewster.
“KK” again kidnapped Brewster, this time making good his getaway and heading west on U.S. Highway 80. He sent proof of his felonious act by emailing a photo of Brewster standing by the Rooster Bridge historic marker.
Brewster ended up at the University of West Alabama, where, in a show of support by the university, he had his photo taken on campus and visited a career fair. Brewster even received an honorary doctorate from the UWA. No mention was made of where “KK” was at this time.
However “KK” snatched Brewster again and headed out of town. Livingston police pulled him over for transporting poultry illegally, and both “KK” and Brewster were taken to the Livingston jail and put under 24-hour surveillance.
“This is the worst jail,” said his lawyer. “Since the FBI (took over), no one gets out.”
However, when the FBI agents left for lunch, “KK” and Brewster broke out of the jail.
Apparently having had enough, “KK” took Brewster back to the home of Lisa Compton, the Rooster Day chairman. To his surprise, a Demopolis police car was parked next to the Compton house. “KK” told Brewster to “lay low” and placed him in the front yard before making his escape.
“I just ditched him and got of there,” “KK” told Bugsy Bishop.
Police plan to question both Bishop and Brewster once Rooster Day activities are over.
Chief Reese said his undercover detectives were aware of the situation the whole time and had Brewster under surveillance so he was always safe. Police decided not to intervene for the safety of all but now are charging the perpetrator with failure to buy enough Rooster Auction tickets. “KK” faces a four-ticket fine.
Reese also reminded the public that it is not necessary to rooster-knap in order to get a t-shirt. Shirts are available at The Craft Corner, the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce and the Jefferson Country Store.
In the meantime, attorneys for the perpetrator at MTPSC advised that he will not be addressing the press and is being set up by a growing number of rooster supporters.
A representative of the friends of Brewster, when asked to comment, simply said, “The Roosters are coming! The Roosters are coming!”