$1,000 Reward After Dog Stolen Outside Store In Ventura

VENTURA (CBSLA.com) — A dog that was stolen from outside of a store entrance in Ventura last night was reunited with its owner Saturday morning.

According to the Ventura Police Department, officers were sent around 10:31 p.m. Friday to a Fresh & Easy store, located in the 2200 block of East Thompson Boulevard, after receiving a stolen dog report.

Once on scene, a witness told officers a woman allegedly approached the small black and brown striped Boxer named Meeka, which was secured by leash to the store entrance, while it's owner shopped inside.

The suspect proceeded to detach the dog's collar, pull it towards a white late-model Chevy truck, located on Jordan Avenue, and get in the passenger seat. The truck headed southbound on Jordan.

Officers added the truck is lifted and has a loud exhaust system.

No description was provided for the driver of the suspect vehicle.

Detectives described the suspect as a woman in her 20s with light brown hair and a thin build. She was last seen wearing a sweater and jeans.

During the early hours of Saturday morning, the victim received a phone call from an unknown man asking for a reward, claiming the dog damaged some of his property, near the area where the theft occurred.

The male suspect requested to meet the victim at a location in Oxnard to exchange the animal for cash. When the dog's owner arrived, she did not see the suspect.

He called the victim again and explained he left her dog at a veterinarian clinic, but did not disclose the actual location.

According to police, the victim spent hours searching various clinics, until she finally located her dog at a PetSmart in the 2100 block of Rose Avenue.

It was unclear if the male suspect was involved in the original theft.

Officers offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the culprit.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the Ventura Police Department at (805) 339-4325.