Las Vegas police are asking for the public's help after an elderly community member's service dog was snatched outside a business near the 5100 block of Boulder Highway last month. Surveillance video later shared by detectives shows an unidentified woman grabbing the dog and taking off in a white Toyota minivan, leaving the elderly resident without a trained assistance animal while officers work to find both the dog and the suspect.
Police released video and are asking for tips
According to LVMPD, surveillance footage captured an unknown female suspect taking the dog, then leaving the area in a white Toyota minivan. Detectives circulated the clip along with the incident number LLV260300071235 and urged anyone who recognizes the woman or the vehicle to contact investigators. Metro has not publicly identified a suspect as the investigation continues.
How to reach detectives
LVMPD asked anyone with information to call the Southeast Area Command and reference event LLV260300071235. The command lists station details and a nonemergency line on the department website, and the station's public number is 702-828-3206, per LVMPD. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous can reach Crime Stoppers of Nevada at 702-385-5555.
Legal consequences for interfering with a service animal
Nevada law does not treat this kind of case as a minor inconvenience. Under NRS 426.790, "unlawfully interfering" with a service animal is a gross misdemeanor, and courts can order restitution for veterinary bills and the cost of replacing the animal, according to the Nevada Revised Statutes. The statute allows harsher penalties if a service animal is willfully beaten or killed and also permits civil liability for victims.
What investigators want the public to look for
Detectives have asked residents and nearby businesses to review their security footage for any images of a white Toyota minivan or anyone matching the female suspect shown in the video. Metro is urging people not to approach anyone they believe might be involved and instead to contact the Southeast Area Command or Crime Stoppers with any tips. Officers say they will review submitted footage and follow up on leads as the case moves forward.
