In Troy, Michigan, a dog theft case took an unusual turn when the suspect attempted to sell the stolen pet back to its rightful owner. The incident, which ended with the dog's safe return and the suspect's arrest, began last Tuesday, according to reports by CBS News Detroit and other local media.
A brindle-colored French bulldog was found in a woman’s backyard and later became the subject of a dispute after a man, falsely claiming to be its owner, picked up the dog. Malik Deshawn Motley, 24, of Detroit, is the man accused of this act. The dog's actual owners realized the mix-up after attempting to contact Motley, who had listed the dog for sale online, according to Audacy.
With the aid of Troy police, the canine's owners orchestrated a meeting with Motley by posing as potential buyers. The rendezvous, which took place near DMC Children's Hospital on Big Beaver Road, concluded with police intervention. "You could probably call this a worst nightmare scenario for any dog owner or really anybody that loves dogs," reported Luke Sloan of Audacy.
Motley was subsequently arrested and charged with a felony count of larceny between $1,000 and $20,000. An arraignment last Wednesday set his bond at $15,000 cash or surety, with no 10% down payment. If convicted, Motley could face up to five years in prison and possibly be required to pay a fine of $10,000, or three times the value of the dog, whichever is greater. His probable cause conference is set for 9:15 a.m. tomorrow, as stated by The Detroit News.
