A lively scene unfolded at a Spirit Halloween store in Plano, Texas, on Monday night when a monkey wearing a diaper escaped from its owner, evading capture for nearly half an hour as it swung from the store’s rafters. The unexpected escapade caused a mix of confusion and amusement among shoppers who were startled by the sight of the pet primate, which had been startled itself by a life-like animatronic decoration.
Witness Arlene Pinkston, who was shopping with her daughters, captured the intriguing moment on video. “My daughter looked up and she said, ‘What in the world?’ and I’m like, ‘Well, it’s got a diaper on so I guess it is real,’” she recalled with a laugh. Throughout the incident, many customers paused to watch the monkey climb shelves and look down from the ceiling, while children attempted to catch the lively creature.
Store employee Jimmy Harris described the scene as entertaining, noting that spectators enjoyed the unusual distraction in the bustling store. Plano police were called to the store, observing the monkey’s antics as it swung around until its owner finally managed to coax it down using a cookie.
No injuries were reported, and police confirmed that shoppers were never at risk during the incident. A spokesperson for Spirit Halloween expressed gratitude for the swift response from local authorities. “In a rather unexpected turn, the monkey was safely coaxed with a cookie,” Lisa Barr stated, adding, “We’re glad it ended on a positive note.” The monkey was returned to its owner, tagged for identification, ensuring a happy resolution to this peculiar event.
Overall, this unusual disruption turned into a whimsical moment for those present, a joyful reminder of the joys and surprises of Halloween season.