Chicken wing caper isn't finger lickin' good in Vero Beach

Ain't no thing but a chicken wing.

Still, when you've got some chicken wings in your pants -- and haven't paid for them -- it can be a big deal and run you afoul of the law.

Such was the case Jan. 19 with Kenneth Thomas Amarite, 48, of Vero Beach, according to a recently released affidavit.

Amarite was arrested and unable to fly the coop after accusations he put $4.14 in chicken wings from the deli in the front of his pants at a Publix in Vero Beach in the 1200 block of U.S. 1.

Chicken wings, which taste like chicken, are the wings of chickens.

They often are associated with sports bars and barbecue sauce, with many dipping the tasty finger  food in ranch dressing or blue cheese sauce. Also known as Buffalo wings, chicken wings can be deep fried, oven fried, broiled, roasted, grilled or even baked. It might be unwise to consume them raw.

Chicken wings are not to be confused with turkey wings or "The West Wing," the 1999-2006 television drama starring Martin Sheen and Rob Lowe.

Meanwhile, the Publix manager detained Amarite outside.

The affidavit didn't state whether Amarite was running around like a chicken with its head cut off or whether anyone was crowing after the accused poultry pilferer was detained.

An Indian River County Sheriff's deputy arrested Amarite on misdemeanor charges of retail theft and trespassing.