Bulldog puppies stolen at gunpoint from a Los Angeles pet store on Christmas Eve were recovered in good condition over the weekend, with three suspects arrested for their involvement.
According to ABC affiliate KABC, a gunman entered the Mr. Bulldog store on Whittier Boulevard just before 2 p.m., demanding cash and the two 10-week-old puppies. Store employees complied with the demands, and the suspect made off into a residential neighborhood.
Widespread reports of the robbery helped generate a tip to the sheriff's department, which led them to execute a search warrant on Christmas Day and arrest one male juvenile suspect. A female juvenile and 18-year-old Jonathan Mora were subsequently arrested, with the latter alleged to have driven the drop-off and getaway car, a gray BMW sedan.
One of the puppies, valued at $2,500, was found wandering the street on Christmas Day, and appeared to be unharmed. The other dog was returned to Mr. Bulldog on Friday by an anonymous person, also unharmed.
"His dog tried to jump on the suspect and that’s when he shouted, 'I’ll shoot your dog too. Hurry, I want the dog,'" said store manager Miriam Guillen of the store owner.
Both of the puppies were being fed goats' milk prior to being boosted, and many people expressed concern that they probably weren't getting the proper nourishment while being held captive.
"We tell all business owners if you're confronted with an armed suspect to just to comply with their demands. It avoids the owners or any patrons of the location from getting hurt," said Los Angeles Sheriff's Lt. Sergio Escobedo.
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