Dognapping reported at Savannah convenience store
[gtxvideo vid=”idHYOcdc” playlist=”” pid=”OTSe9U1y” thumb=”http://player.gtxcel.com/thumbs/idHYOcdc.jpg” vtitle=”Hardin Co Dognapping PKG”]
SAVANNAH, Tenn. — A dog disappears when its owner stops for gas, and police are calling it a case of dognapping. According to Savannah police, the dog’s owner stopped briefly Wednesday at the Dodge’s convenience store. After filling up, she walked into the store. That’s when officers say her pet was taken. The Savannah police chief said the dog owner cracked her car window enough to give the Yorkie some air. However, when she walked into the store, the little dog crawled out of the car and waited for his owner by the store entrance. “The suspect went into the store and asked the clerks, ‘Do you know anything about the dog?'” Police Chief Gary Will Jr. said. “They said, yes, the customer just went into the back of the building.” He went on to say the suspect said OK, walked out and picked up the dog and left. With the help of social media, the Yorkie was returned to his owner within hours of posts appearing on the Hardin County Humane Society and the Savannah Police Department Facebook pages. “People in town saw it, went to where it was and got it, called her and returned it,” Will said. Many dog owners in Savannah are on edge after this alleged dognapping. Josh Steakley has lived in Savannah his whole life and said his dog goes everywhere with him. “I didn’t even bring my dog today because of it. But usually my dog rides with me,” Steakley said. “Your dog is like one of the family, you know? If someone steals it, basically that’s like kidnapping one of your kids.” The suspect has been identified but has not been arrested due to the ongoing investigation. The suspect will be charged after police determine the monetary value of the Yorkie. Will said she will face either a misdemeanor or felony theft charge.
