"Part of our life's back:" Milwaukee police reunite stolen dog with owner; 20-year-old woman in custody

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A puppy was reunited with its owner Thursday, Janaury 22nd  after officers from District 2 of the Milwaukee Police Department recovered the animal that was stolen last week.

The theft happened on January 14th in the 2100 block of S. 15th Street when the owner of the dog, Antonio Herrera, took his dogs outside to do what dogs do. It was bitter cold so he went back inside to grab a jacket, leaving the dogs outside.

Unfortunately the Herrera fence was unlocked that morning. A lady stepped right inside, grabbed three month-old Chihuahua, Muneca, and fled on foot.

Muneca's father, Benjamin barked and barked, warning Antonio something was wrong. Antonio went back outside and saw the woman running down an alley.

"And I saw the dogs head sticking out from her pocket in her jacket so I followed her to the corner but then I knew I could not keep up with her because she was running real fast," said Antonio.

Surveillance cameras caught the dog-napper on Milwaukee's south side.

"I feel like very upset and mad at the same time because I can do nothing to save my dog," said Antonio.

Antonio called police who tracked down a 20-year-old Milwaukee woman but Muneca was long gone -- the woman told police she sold him. Muneca was in fact sold twice before police were able to find her. And now Muneca is back where she belongs.

"We were so happy, we almost kissed the police officers, we hugged them and thanked them. Part of our life's back, it's wonderful to have her back because she is part of the family even if she's a little hyper and desperate," said Antonio.

Antonio says Muneca is happy to be home with her family as she is still feeding from her mother.

As for the 20-year-old, she was taken into custody and charges are expected. More charges may be filed against the people who sold and purchases Muneca.

 



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