A stolen puppy is back home, police are still looking for the thieves
MINNEAPOLIS — When it comes to a man's best friend, it's a relationship Mars Webb Abdul Samad is grateful for at 78-years-old, now more than ever.
Everything changed during a typical stroll down the block on Monday afternoon to a grocery store not far from his home.
"When we got in the store I was accosted by a guy and girl about 'oh I remember this dog, that's a Cane Corso but going in I was accosted by a youngster," Webb said.
He walked home thinking nothing of the unusual interaction, but Webb says that say young man from the store followed him to his apartment.
Police say someone shoved him down and ran away with his 6-week-old Cane Corso named "Son", before hopping on public transit with the 6-week-old puppy in hand. This happened Monday at about 4 p.m. near East 18th Street and Third Avenue South, a couple blocks east of Stevens Square Park.
"I was angry," Webb said. "Why me are they looking for an old man to take something from.
Minneapolis Police posted photos on social media asking for help cracking the case, including a young man who was seen with the dog on a Metro Transit light rail train.
Then, police got a tip from a Good Samaritan who bought the puppy. Webb said the Good Smartian paid $1,000 for the pup.
Webb is grateful for the power of social media and the best in humanity leading to a sweet reunion after a rough robbery.
Yet, sitting in his apartment Friday, Webb said he forgives the young man and hopes he gets his life together.
As for Webb and his precious pup, it's man and best friend back together again.
"It's just a good feeling having him back," Webb smiled holding 'Son'.
Police told us the Good Samaritan wants to stay anonymous. But it's not clear if she'll get her money back especially with the accused robber still on the run.
Now, if you're in the market for a dog, the Humane Society said you should consider adopting first, but also recommended not buying a pet on the internet, finding a responsible breeder, and not to buy a puppy without seeing where they were raised.
Anyone with information is asked to contact law enforcement via these options: email at policetips@minneapolismn.gov; call police at 612-673-5845; submit an anonymous tip online to Crime Stoppers or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
