An arrest has been made in connection to the theft of a French Bulldog named Onyx outside a Whole Foods in downtown Los Angeles. Sadie Slater, a 21-year-old resident of Los Angeles, was apprehended in Inglewood by authorities around 11:30 p.m. on a Friday, according to a statement from the LAPD. Slater faces charges of suspicion of robbery and was released on bail with a court appearance scheduled for February 28.

The incident occurred on January 18, around 3:45 p.m., when the dog’s owner, Ali Zacarias, was eating on a patio in the 800 block of South Grand Ave. A female suspect grabbed Onyx and fled, prompting Zacarias to chase after the suspect as she entered a white four-door sedan, driven by an additional male suspect.

Despite Slater’s arrest, the crucial information about whether the stolen dog Onyx has been recovered remains undisclosed by the police.

Woman’s Brave Attempt to Recover Stolen Dog

In a bold attempt to stop the dognappers, Ali Zacarias, the owner of Onyx, clung to the hood of their car as they made their getaway. The dramatic incident unfolded in the 800 block of South Grand Ave outside a Whole Foods in downtown Los Angeles. A bystander captured the moment on video, showing the white Kia Forte carrying Zacarias on its hood down Grand Avenue.

Zacarias recounted her desperate efforts to prevent her dog from being taken: “My last resort was to stand in front of the car and tell them not to go, and they drove right into me, and it pushed me onto the hood, and I just wasn’t going to leave the car at that point. And I held on, and they took off.”

The video revealed four individuals in the car, three women and one man, all in their mid-to-late 20s, dressed in t-shirts and sweats. The vehicle had a whited-out license plate, with only the last few digits visible.

Statistics on Pet Theft

Pet theft is unfortunately not an isolated incident, with cases occurring across the United States. According to the American Kennel Club, around two million pets are stolen each year. Dogs, especially purebred or desirable breeds like French Bulldogs, are often targeted for theft due to their market value.

Legal Action and Future Developments

Sadie Slater’s arrest signals a step towards justice, yet the recovery of Onyx remains uncertain. The legal proceedings scheduled for February 28 will shed more light on the charges Slater faces and the potential consequences.

Conclusion

The arrest of Sadie Slater in connection to the French Bulldog theft highlights the emotional toll pet theft takes on owners. The incident involving Ali Zacarias clinging to the dognappers’ car underscores the lengths some individuals go to recover their beloved pets. As legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a reminder of the ongoing issue of pet theft in society.