In a brief yet acute statement to the community, the Austin Police Department reported the arrest of an aggravated robbery suspect implicated in the theft of a French Bulldog as well as the shooting of the dog's owner. The incident, which transpired on February 2nd on the 1100 block of Shady Lane at around 8:45 p.m., turned a quiet evening stroll into a violent confrontation. The suspect, identified as Raderrick Harvey, approached the victim who was out walking his two pets and demanded the surrender of the doomed French Bulldog, Freya. According to the official APD news release, refusal to comply led Harvey to commit a brazen attack, shooting the owner in the foot and causing collateral harm to the other canine while making his escape.
Charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon, Harvey was apprehended two days later on February 4th. Sources indicate that Harvey was found harboring not just intentions but two rifles in Elgin, Texas - an AK-47 style pistol and an AR-15 style pistol, distinguished by their menacing appearance. Small quantities of narcotics added to the incriminating findings and the timely coordination of APD's Violent Crimes Task Force, APD K9, Elgin Police Department, and the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office resulted in Harvey's capture and subsequent detention at Bastrop County Jail, as noted by the APD's announcement.
The current fate of Freya, however, remains a mystery. The authorities have speculated that the French Bulldog has possibly been passed around among various unknown parties since the incident. Eager to reunite Freya with her rightful owner, APD has disseminated photos of the pet and is appealing to the public for any leads or information. With the promise of a reward that could be as much as $1,000, the quest for Freya’s return is both a civic and communal endeavor. Information can be confidentially shared through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program, with directions and contact details available on APD's news post.
The police continue to scour the city and beyond, the public's vigilance remains a crucial component in the mission to restore what was lost and to affirm justice in a world so easily racked by ill winds. Residents can reach out to the APD's Robbery unit directly at 512-974-5092, as further urged by the APD statement.
