Big Mouth Billy Bass apparently got the best of a would-be burglar in Minnesota.
Authorities in Rochester say the motion-activated singing fish apparently scared off an intruder who tried to break into the Hooked on Fishing bait and tackle shop.
The novelty bass had been hung near the door and would start singing "Take Me to the River" whenever someone entered the shop.
The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office says the fish was found on the floor after the intruder knocked it down while breaking the door to get in late Sunday or early Monday.
"When I saw Billy Bass on the floor I knew something was really up," Shop owner Tom Allen told Rochester TV station Fox47. "And when I tried to close the door and it wouldn't close at all I just knew that Billy Bass had done his job, and let somebody know that it wasn't just empty or something."
Sgt. Tom Claymon tells the Star Tribune the would-be burglar left without stealing anything, including cash that had been left in "a very visible spot." There was about $700 in damage to the door.
The bass "took one for the team," Claymon said. "There were plenty of things to take but nothing was missing … other than Billy's pride."
— The Associated Press contributed
