Dunedin Dog-Napper Nabbed By Deputies; Dog Reunited With Owner

DUNEDIN, FL -- An 11-month-old Chihuahua is back in the loving arms of her owner after being dog-napped from outside a Dunedin restaurant.

Lillian Frattalone, 72, was sitting outside Julian’s Little Italy Italian restaurant at 916 Patricia Ave. on April 2 when a man casually walked over and began petting her dog, Fey, and speaking with her. Suddenly, he grabbed the puppy and began walking away. Frattalone had her other dog, Buster, with her along with a shopping bag and was unable to chase after the younger man.

Frantic, Frattalone called the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and Deputy Christopher Ludtke and Cpl. Bradley Leffingwell responded. They were able to get surveillance video of the crime from the restaurant. Once they knew what the dog-napper looked like, they began searching the streets of Dunedin and eventually found the man and dog near downtown Dunedin.

When they approached Anthony Espinosa, they said he was intoxicated and insisted that the dog belonged to him. He was arrested for grand theft. Espinosa has previous convictions for DUI, theft, auto theft and domestic violence.

About two hours later, Fey was getting hugs and kisses from her owner.