Knoxville police are asking for the public's help tracking down a man who, according to investigators, tried to forcibly snatch a woman's dog near an apartment complex on Forest Park Boulevard on Saturday, then took off in a pickup with Georgia plates.
Detectives with the Knoxville Police Department say they are actively working to identify the suspect and want anyone who knows something to speak up. As WBIR reported, witnesses told officers the man left the area in a GMC Sierra, and investigators are zeroing in on that vehicle description and its Georgia license plates.
Police Description And Getaway Truck
According to Knoxville police, the man took off after the attempted dog theft in a GMC Sierra with Georgia tags. Detectives have not released the suspect's name and say there have been no reported arrests so far in connection with the case.
How To Share What You Know
Anyone with information about the attempted theft is urged to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-877-363-8847. The organization notes that tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest.
The Knoxville Police Department also reminds residents that they can submit tips through the department's public-information channels or call the non-emergency line to provide details for investigators to follow up on.
Pet Thefts Not New To Knoxville
This is not the first time pet theft has rattled Knoxville. In August 2025, Knoxville police investigated the theft of a $2,500 puppy from a Kingston Pike store, a case that highlighted how quickly surveillance video and neighborhood tips can help detectives close in on suspects. That earlier incident was detailed by WVLT.
Police are urging pet owners to stay alert, keep their animals leashed in public spaces, and report suspicious behavior right away. If a crime is in progress, call 911. For anything after the fact, officials say residents should share what they know with Crime Stoppers or the Knoxville Police Department so detectives have a fighting chance to track down whoever is responsible.
