A woman who allegedly stole a puppy from a North Hollywood pet rescue has been found. Los Angeles police say 33-year-old Victoria McCollum was already in jail in Sacramento for charges related to a stolen van out of Van Nuys.
McCollum was caught on camera on April 24th, taking a Yorkshire Terrier puppy out of its cage at the Birdhouse Doghouse Rescue Foundation. McCollum was looking at the rescue dogs and cats that were up for adoption when she allegedly went toward a side door marked 'employees only.' Employees say when McCollum walked through the door, she approached a cage with a Yorkshire Terrier nursing her two puppies. The suspect grabbed one of the puppies and fled the shop, knocking over an employee who attempted to stop her.
McCollum's face was caught on the pet rescue's security system which was then broadcast in media reports. An eagle-eyed viewed recognized McCollum and called in the tip that led the Los Angeles Police Department to McCollum's identity. The LAPD says McCollum was already in jail in Sacramento after she was found driving a stolen van out of Van Nuys.
Police found the puppy inside the stolen van. They say they're not working on reuniting the puppy with their owner in Los Angeles.
LAPD searching for puppy thief caught on camera
By RJ Johnson @rickerthewriter