- Just weeks ago, Ali Zacharias was shown throwing herself onto the hood of the car of the thieves who stole her dog – an arrest has now been made in the case
- Zacharias offers a significant reward for the safe return of her dog. Anyone with information can call Zacharias at 626-264-7923 or the LAPD at 1-877-275-5273
Authorities in Los Angeles have made an arrest in connection with the theft of a French Bulldog from a woman who had her puppy stolen from under her in downtown LA last week.
The suspect, 21-year-old Sadie Slater, was identified by the LAPD after officers worked throughout the night to “locate and arrest the suspect for this crime,” the department wrote on X.
Ali Zacharias, the puppy identified as Onyx’s owner, said the suspect walked up to her and her one-year-old puppy before grabbing the dog from under Zacharias’ chair and starting to walk away.
Zacharias said she initially thought the situation was a misunderstanding because she didn’t believe anyone would try to steal Onyx. Shortly afterwards, Zacharias ended up on the hood of the suspects’ car in an attempt to retrieve her puppy.
The suspects drove their getaway vehicle down several blocks before making a turn that threw Zacharias off the hood; she was not seriously injured.
Regarding the video showing Zacharias on the hood, LAPD Officer Jader Chaves said, “It was very shocking to see, but at the same time it was very helpful in identifying the vehicle, license plate and occupants.”
Zacharias said she “screamed for joy” when they found out a suspect had been arrested, but “wait for the next news that Onyx is safe and in custody.”
‘I love this dog. I miss this dog. I can’t wait to see his face. I can’t wait to see him. He rocks to the side when he sees me. He becomes so happy. “I can’t wait to see him,” she said.
The incident happened at Whole Foods on Grand Avenue and 8th Street around 2:30 p.m.
Zacharias said she was sitting under a table with Onyx at her feet when a stranger called him, then grabbed his belt and walked away with him.
She initially thought it was a mistake, adding: ‘I didn’t think anyone was stealing my dog.
‘I thought it was a misunderstanding, so I said, ‘That’s my dog. Excuse me,’ and she didn’t listen.’
The thief jumped into a waiting car, which Zacharias also tried to get into, but there were four other people inside, they pushed her back out and locked the door.
Zacharias ran to the front of the car and screamed for help, but she said, “No one came.”
‘The next thing I know, the car hits me and I fall on the hood.’
The thieves drove several blocks before making a sharp turn and throwing Zacharias to the ground. They sped away again with Onyx still inside.
Zacharias said she thought she was going to die because the car was going faster and faster
Zacharias said she was sitting under a table with Onyx at her feet when a stranger called out to him, then grabbed his belt and walked away with him.
Oynx is still missing and Zacharias offers a large reward for his return
Zacharias was excited that a suspect had been arrested, but still hopes for her dog’s return
Zacharias reported the theft to the police who are searching the area. She also offers a large reward for his return.
She said, ‘They stole my child from me. I just pray I can get him back.”
Police described the car as a newer white Kia Forte sedan with a missing driver’s front hubcap, according to KTLA.
French Bulldogs are the most popular dog breed in the country and can sell for more than $1,000 per puppy.
Witness Harrison Pessy said he was walking down the street when he heard a woman screaming and saw the car fly by with Zacharias clinging.
He said, “If someone tried to steal my dog, I’d probably try to kill it myself.”
Anyone with information can call Zacharias at 626-264-7923 or the LAPD at 1-877-275-5273.