Despite the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) making an arrest in connection with the theft of a French Bulldog, the dog‘s location remains undisclosed, as confirmed by a department spokesperson to ABC News on Sunday.
The incident occurred on January 18 when the dog’s owner, Ali Zacharias, attempted to prevent the theft by clinging to the hood of the suspect’s car. The LAPD announced the arrest of the suspect, Sadie Slater, aged 21, in Inglewood on Saturday. Slater faces charges of robbery, with bail set at $70,000.
The French Bulldog named Onyx, however, has not been located, according to the LAPD spokesperson.
In a statement shared by LAPD’s gang and narcotics division on social media, it was mentioned that US Marshals worked tirelessly to locate and apprehend the suspect, sharing images of the arrest and the dog owner’s courageous attempt to thwart the dognapping.
The incident took place around 3:45 p.m. local time on January 18 outside Whole Foods on South Grand Avenue. While Zacharias was dining, the female suspect seized Onyx and fled into a white KIA Forte sedan, driven by an accomplice. Zacharias, desperate to stop the theft, jumped on the hood of the vehicle. Despite her efforts, the suspects sped away, causing her to fall from the car. Zacharias received minor abrasions and was treated by paramedics.
Recounting the terrifying experience, Zacharias expressed her fear, stating, “I thought I was going to die. I just was like, ‘This is it.'” She recounted her attempt to prevent the car from leaving, describing how she ran and stood in front of it. The suspects drove into her, and she fell onto the hood, desperately trying to hold on. Unfortunately, the car backed up and sped away.
French Bulldogs, commonly known as “Frenchies,” are one of the most popular small-dog breeds globally, particularly favored by city dwellers, according to the American Kennel Club. They are also noted as the primary target for thieves, surpassing Labrador Retrievers and Yorkshire Terriers in theft incidents. The average cost of a French Bulldog in the US ranges between $1,500 and $3,000, according to the Canine Journal.
