Dognapped Frenchie Dragged On Dramatic Police Chase

LOS ANGELES, CA — A 10-month-old French bulldog puppy that was stolen at gunpoint in Culver City earlier this week was recovered this weekend, authorities said. A drone was deployed to find a suspect, who was arrested Saturday, police said.

The suspect reportedly responded to an advertisement on social media that listed the dog for sale. On Wednesday, the bulldog's owner agreed to meet the man along the 6000 block of Canterbury Drive around 7 p.m. to make the exchange, according to the Culver City Police Department.

After the owner placed the puppy in the trunk area of a vehicle, the suspect drew a semi-automatic handgun from his waistband, grabbed the dog and fled on foot, police said.

"Culver City Police Department Detectives immediately began investigating this crime and were quickly able to identify a suspect," police said in a statement.

On Saturday just before noon, police watched the suspect leaving a residence in the Fox Hills area of Culver City. The suspect was holding a gray French Bulldog, got into a vehicle and drove away.

READ MORE: Dognapping Is Surprisingly Common. Here's How To Protect Fido.

Police attempted to pull him over but the suspect tried to evade officers, leading them on a pursuit, which ended abruptly after the suspect slammed into another car near Bristol Parkway.

The driver and occupant of the vehicle he hit were unharmed, police said. The chase ensued as the suspect fled from officers on foot. A perimeter was established in the area as officers searched for him.

Police deployed a drone and located the suspect shortly after the chase. Police arrested him at 2:45 p.m.

"The French Bulldog was also located (unharmed) and returned to its rightful owner," police said.

This case will be presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office for criminal filing consideration, police said.

Earlier this year, Lady Gaga's own French bulldogs were stolen in a violent robbery that injured her dog walker.

Dognapping is surprisingly common, with some 2 million dogs stolen each year, according to the American Kennel Club.

The City News Service contributed to this report.