WARREN, Mich. (WXYZ) – For dog owner Ashley Swinton, it was a heartbreaking discovery. Someone who delivered food at home for Door Dash left with her 8 week old puppy named Bella.
Police say the dog napper later confessed to stealing the puppy when they tracked her down.
“The video evidence is very convincing in this case,” says Det. Brian Price with the Warren Police Department.
Swinton shared what she saw on video of the puppy’s abduction.
DOGNAPPER BUSTED: “We have never seen anything like this before. A@DoorDashdriver delivers and leaves with an 8 week old puppy that was a Christmas present for kids. Warren Police Detective who recovered the stolen puppy speaks out. The fact is, don’t worry.@wxyzdetroitThe fact is, you don’t have to worry. # 6pm pic.twitter.com/A4Gl2qr1CB
– Simon Shaykhet WXYZ (@simonshaykhet) January 5, 2021
“You can see her petting the dog, (and) rubbing the dog to see if it was mean,” Swinton said. “Then scoop the dog up and take the dog to her car.”
It happened on New Year’s Day at their home on Rivard at Van Dyke.
“This is even a new one for me,” said Detective Price. “Quite shocking when you watch the video and see it happening right in front of you.”
It was good police work that led to the arrest. The charges are expected to be filed shortly.
“They admitted to stealing the dog,” said Detective Price. ‘I took the dog off the scene. Still in good health. We have returned it to the family. “
The name of the 26-year-old suspect has not yet been disclosed.
Bella is very happy to be home with her family tonight. They say they are very grateful to Warren Police for their hard work in getting the puppy back to their children.