Arrest made in dog theft where victim clung to hood of getaway car in L.A.
Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with the theft of a French Bulldog from a woman in downtown Los Angeles.
The suspect was identified by the Los Angeles Police Department as Sadie Slater, 21. Photos posted to LAPD’s social media on Saturday morning show a man and a woman in handcuffs in Inglewood.
“The U.S. Marshals Service worked through the night to locate and arrest the suspect wanted for this crime,” the Gang and Narcotics Division said on X, formerly Twitter.
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The theft occurred on Jan. 18 around 2:30 p.m. at a Whole Foods located on Grand Avenue and 8th Street when Ali Zacharias had her 1-year-old dog, Onyx, stolen from her while she was eating lunch outside the grocery store.
A female suspect had walked towards Zacharias and Onyx before abruptly grabbing the pooch from underneath Zacharias’ chair and walking away.
Immediately after, Zacharias ran after the thief towards the getaway vehicle waiting for her, but the suspect – accompanied by three others in the vehicle – pushed her away and locked the car doors.
Video captured a woman clinging to the hood of a speeding car as thieves stole her French bulldog puppy in downtown Los Angeles on Jan. 18, 2024. (@harrisonjamesmusic) Video captured a woman clinging to the hood of a speeding car as thieves stole her French bulldog puppy in downtown Los Angeles on Jan. 18, 2024. (@harrisonjamesmusic) Onyx, a black merle French bulldog, was stolen by thieves in downtown L.A. on Jan. 18, 2024. (Ali Zacharias) Sadie Slater, 21, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Inglewood in Feb. 3, 2024 in connection with the violent theft of a French bulldog in downtown L.A. on Jan. 18, 2024. (LAPD) Sadie Slater, 21, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Inglewood in Feb. 3, 2024 in connection with the violent theft of a French bulldog in downtown L.A. on Jan. 18, 2024. (LAPD) Onyx, a black merle French bulldog, was stolen by thieves in downtown L.A. on Jan. 18, 2024. (Ali Zacharias) Reward being offered for Onyx, a black merle French bulldog, was stolen by thieves in downtown L.A. on Jan. 18, 2024. (Ali Zacharias) Video captured a woman clinging to the hood of a speeding car as thieves stole her French bulldog puppy in downtown Los Angeles on Jan. 18, 2024. (@harrisonjamesmusic)
Video captured by a witness shows the frantic moments Zacharias steps in front of the car while screaming for help, and before she knew it, the car was driven into her, causing her to fall onto the hood.
The suspects continued driving down several blocks before making a sharp turn that threw Zacharias to the ground; she was not badly injured.
“It was very shocking to see, but at the same time it was very helpful in identifying the vehicle and the license plate and the occupants,” said LAPD Officer Jader Chaves of the video.
Zacharias was happy to hear of the suspect’s arrest, but is still hoping for the return of her beloved dog as his whereabouts are still unknown.
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“We were screaming with joy, but at the same time, we’re waiting for the next piece of news that Onyx is safe and in custody,” said Zacharias.
For now, Zacharias said all she can do is spread the word and hope that Onyx will be returned home soon.
“I love this dog,” she said. “I miss this dog. I can’t wait to see his face. I can’t wait to see him. He’ll wiggle over sideways when he sees me. He gets so happy. I can’t wait to see him.”
Zacharias is offering a substantial reward for her dog’s safe return. Anyone with information can call Zacharias at 626-264-7923 or the LAPD at 1-877-275-5273.
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