A pet store in Colorado was robbed after thieves staged a medical emergency—appearing to faint or have a seizure, as seen in CCTV footage—to steal two puppies, according to the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident took place at Perfect Pets in Centennial, Colorado, on Friday afternoon. when a group of men entered the store, acting suspiciously.
Jens Larsen, the store’s owner, told ABC News that three men entered the shop separately, each behaving in a “sketchy” manner. They inquired about two English bulldog puppies, priced at $4,299 each, which were kept in a locked enclosure near the back of the store, police said.
Moments later, one of the men suddenly collapsed to the ground, appearing to have a seizure. Store employees and customers rushed to his aid, with one worker even calling 911. However, while attention was focused on the apparent medical emergency, another suspect made his way to the back, unlocked the pen and grabbed two male bulldog puppies.
An employee spotted the thief and tried to intervene. Staff members attempted to block the exit and even tackled the suspect’s leg, but he fought back, kicking one worker in the face. Although the thief tripped and fell, dropping the puppies, he quickly picked them up and managed to escape, Larsen said.
Multiple people chased after him, but he got away. Two of the suspects fled in a car, while police believe a female driver was waiting for them in the getaway vehicle.
“The guy doesn’t care,” Larsen said. “He’s not stealing merchandise, he is stealing living animals and doesn’t seem to really care for their well-being.”
Police have since arrested 37-year-old Timothy Dais, the man who faked the seizure, charging him with conspiracy to commit a felony, theft, and drug possession. Authorities are still searching for the remaining three suspects.
This is not the first time Perfect Pets has been targeted. Earlier this month, a woman hid a puppy in a baby stroller before another woman grabbed a second puppy and ran out.
Larsen believes the motive behind these thefts is resale value, as bulldogs—particularly French bulldogs—are popular targets. According to Tom Sharp, CEO of American Kennel Club Reunite, French bulldog puppies can sell for anywhere between $3,000 and $10,000.
Perfect Pets is now offering a $1,000 reward for each stolen dog’s return and $2,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect who fled with the puppies.
