Pierce County authorities arrest man for stealing puppy

A 35-year-old man faces felony charges after stealing an Australian Labradoodle puppy from a licensed breeder in the Bonney Lake area of Washington. The incident occurred on September 9, when the suspect, who had arranged an appointment to purchase the puppy named Sherbert, instead took the animal and drove away in a white SUV without paying.

Using surveillance footage that captured the suspect’s clothing and vehicle, Pierce County detectives tracked the man to an apartment complex in Puyallup. On September 16, deputies executed a search warrant at the residence, where they arrested the suspect and recovered clothing matching the description from the theft.

The suspect has been charged with second-degree felony theft and second-degree felony possession of stolen property. Authorities noted he is also wanted for felony charges in other states and faces extradition. The puppy, Sherbert, was safely recovered and returned to its owner.