Atlanta police are on the lookout for suspects in a recent dog theft that occurred in Northwest Atlanta. As reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, a woman's dog was taken from her vehicle last Friday night, on the 800 block of 3rd Street, shortly after she had parked there around 9:30 p.m. The black and white Shih Tzu named Mr. Lagerfeld was missing when the owner returned only minutes later to find her car broken into and her companion gone.
Lakedra Reed, the owner of the 11-year-old Shih Tzu, expressed her distress to Atlanta News First, "I’m praying that he comes back home." Reed noticed the damage to her car after stepping out from her brother’s salon in West Midtown, a place she's frequented numerous times before without incident. Now, without her pet, who also requires medication for a vision problem, she feels a tangible void.
Amidst the ongoing investigation, Atlanta police have disseminated a bulletin for the missing pet, who falls into the category of one of the top five stolen dog breeds, according to the American Kennel Club. An officer highlighted in a discussion with Atlanta News First reporter Madeline Montgomery that criminals often target dogs for resale. Reed, however, is focused on reunification, offering a $1,000 reward for her dog's safe return, a monetary plea accentuating the urgency and depth of her emotional investment.
In the hopes of receiving a crucial tip, Reed has been proactive, hanging posters and sharing digital flyers across social media. "I just want him back home. It’s just me and him, so it’s just a void right now," Reed told Atlanta News First. Atlanta's Crime Stoppers has opened their tip line at 404-577-TIPS (8477) for anonymous information, which can also be submitted online at www.StopCrimeAtl.org, or by texting CSGA and the tip to CRIMES (274637). Tipsters are eligible for a reward should their information lead to a resolution in this case.
