Possible puppy thief caught on cam taking 5-month-old American bully

Reporter: Jennifer Morejon Writer: Joey Pellegrino
Published: Updated:
A 5-month-old American bully puppy allegedly stolen by the suspect seen in surveillance stills on the right. Credit: Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers

A puppy is thought to have been stolen from a front yard in Lehigh Acres and Crime Stoppers is looking for your help to identify a possible suspect.

A man is seen in surveillance footage carrying the 5-month-old American bully puppy away from the home and putting it into an SUV before driving away.

The alleged theft happened on Tuesday around 8:50 a.m. in front of a home on the 800 block of Leeland Heights Boulevard E.

The family initially thought the dog was just lost until a neighbor pointed out that his cameras caught someone walking away with the puppy.

The pup’s name is Baby Girl and she’s valued at $2,000.

The male suspect was driving a white Dodge Caravan with black rims. SWFL Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $3,000 cash reward.

The suspect faces a grand theft charge with the possibility of jail time.

Trish Routte with SWFL Crime Stoppers said, “I think this was a crime of opportunity, I think this guy drove by, saw this cute little dog in the front yard, and thought ‘Hmm, here’s a way I can probably make some money.'”

If anyone can identify this subject or know the puppy’s whereabouts, please call 1-800-780-TIPS with tips.

Correction: An earlier version of this story indicated the puppy may have only been lost, per the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Crime Stoppers confirms the person pictured is a suspect.

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