Today’s Date: February 28, 2024
Prepared By: Chief Antoine Sheppard
Release Number: 2024-001
Incident Number: CR 24000104
Incident Date: February 26, 2024
Incident Time: N/A
Incident Location: 18000 NW 235th St- High Springs, FL
Theft of Dog
On the listed date and time, the High Springs Police Department responded to the address mentioned above about the theft of a small dog. During the incident, the homeowner, who was not home then, answered her ring door camera system to an unidentified female.
The unknown female conversed with the pet owner, conveying her concerns about the dog being loose in the yard and/or street and potentially hazardous to traffic in a low traffic neighborhood. (A shock collar usually restrains the dog but was accidentally left off the night before the incident.)
During the transaction, the victim directed the suspect to leave her property and dog alone- establishing ownership. The suspect walked off the property but subsequently grabbed the dog, placed the animal in her vehicle, and left the area after the dog followed her in the yard.
After the HSPD’s Facebook post displaying the suspect's face, the dog was returned and dropped off at the front of the residence without contacting the owner.
Our Facebook followers identified the suspect, and when confronted, she stated she was only acting as a good Samaritan and was concerned for the dog’s condition. She further advised that she and her husband never intended to keep the pet.
Disposition of Case:
- At the time of this writing, theft charges have not been filed against the offender at the victim's request.
- Removing someone’s property without consent is a criminal offense, especially when the victim has directed said person to refrain from removing said item.
- If a person has concerns with the welfare or safety of an animal, you should contact authorities to mediate the issue.