- Several weeks ago, Ali Zacharias was shown flinging herself atop the hood of the car of the thieves who stole her dog – an arrest has now been made in the case
- Zacharias is offering a substantial reward for her dog’s safe return. 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 pup stolen right out from under her in downtown LA last week.
The suspect, 21-year-old Sadie Slater, was identified by the LAPD after officers worked through the night to ‘locate and arrest the suspect wanted for this crime,’ wrote the department on X.
Ali Zacharias, the pup called Onyx’s owner, said the suspect walked toward her and her one-year-old pup before she snatched the dog from underneath Zacharias’ chair and began moving away.
Zacharias said she initially thought the situation was a misunderstanding, not believing anyone would attempt to steal Onyx. Shortly thereafter, Zacharias wound up on the hood of the suspects’ car attempting to reclaim her pup.
The suspects drove their getaway vehicle down several blocks before making a turn that threw Zacharias from the hood – she was not severely injured.
Of 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 and the license plate and the occupants.’
Zacharias said she was ‘screaming with joy’ when they found out a suspect had been arrested, but are ‘waiting for the next piece of 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’ll wiggle over sideways when he sees me. He gets so happy. I can’t wait to see him,’ she said.
The incident occurred around 2.30pm at the Whole Foods on Grand Avenue and 8th Street.
Zacharias said she was sitting with Onyx by her feet under a table when a stranger called out to him, and then grabbed his leash and walked off with him.
She initially thought it was a mistake, adding: ‘I didn’t think that somebody was stealing my dog.
‘I thought it was a misunderstanding, so I said, “That’s my dog. Excuse me,” and she wasn’t listening.’
The thief jumped into a waiting car, which Zacharias tried to get into as well, but there were four other people inside and they pushed her back out and locked the door.
Zacharias ran to the front of the car and screamed for help but she said ‘nobody came.’
‘The next thing I know, the car’s driving into me and I fell onto the hood.’
The thieves drove for several blocks before making a sharp turn, throwing Zacharias onto the ground. They sped off again with Onyx still inside.
Zacharias said she thought she was going to die as the car went faster and faster
Zacharias said she was sitting with Onyx by her feet under a table when a stranger called out to him, and then grabbed his leash and walked off with him
Oynx is still missing and Zacharias is offering a large reward for his return
Zacharias was thrilled that a suspect had been arrested but is still hoping for the return of her dog
Zacharias reported the theft to the police who are searching the area – she is also offering a large reward for his return.
She said: ‘They stole my child away from me. I’m just praying that I can get him back.’
Police described the car as a newer white Kia Forte sedan with a missing hubcap on the driver’s front side, according to KTLA.
French Bulldogs are the most popular dog breed in the country and can sell for over $1,000 a puppy.
Witness Harrison Pessy said he was walking down the street when he heard a woman screaming and saw the car go flying past with Zacharias clinging on.
He said: ‘If someone tried to steal my dog, I’d probably try to kill them myself.’
Anyone with information can call Zacharias at 626-264-7923 or the LAPD at 1-877-275-5273.
