Dog stolen in purse is returned to store The dognapper may be charged with felony theft for stashing the $1,800 Yorkshire terrier in her bag and leaving Petland.
BY RON SYLVESTER
The Wichita Eagle
Colleen Bradley fought back tears Friday as she clutched the puppy stolen from her pet store a week before.
"I was really worried about her," Bradley said.
Wichita police returned the 8-week-old Yorkshire terrier to the care of Petland on East Kellogg on Friday morning, after a friend recognized the woman who had taken the puppy.
Local television stations broadcast the surveillance tape that showed the woman shoplifting the dog.
"A friend of the suspect's brought the dog back," said Detective Brad Crumley.
Capt. Darrell Haynes said police had identified the woman and ordered her pickup and arrest. Because the dog is worth $1,800, she could face a charge of felony theft.
The Yorkie was stolen when the woman asked to look at the dog for possible purchase and adoption.
"She came in with a big black bag," Bradley said.
The woman left with the dog in the bag.
After the broadcast of the security video, Petland's Brad Bockus said the store received a series of anonymous calls that led to the identification of the suspected dognapper.
"We're extremely grateful to all the people who came forward to help identify her," Bockus said.
After a trip to the veterinarian, the Yorkie will be returned to Petland for sale.
"She will be put back with her brother, who is also in the store," Bradley said. "He has been pretty lonely."
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