On Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at about 2 p.m., the puppy snatcher entered the Animal House Pet Center located at 950 34th Street North.
He loitered in the business for about 15 minutes before he snatched the puppy from a holding area.
Here’s some surveillance video:
The puppy is an unnamed, 10 week old, 2 pound, gray female Chihuahua with tan paws that is worth hundreds of dollars.
A customer in the store witnessed the puppy snatcher put the puppy into his backpack as he quickly left the store. The witness told a store employee of the crime, and the Assistant Manager subsequently called the police.
Detectives believe this puppy snatcher hangs out around that area of 34th Street North.
Suspect Description: Male, early 20’s, 6’1″, slender build, big crossed eyes, wearing red shirt, black pants, red shoes, and carrying a black backpack.
Anyone with information on the puppy snatcher’s identity is asked to call Detective Holly Hadrika at (727) 551-3142 or the Economic Crimes/Forgery Unit at (727) 893-7618.
Source: St. Petersburg Police Department