French Bulldogs stolen in Austin; 1 suspect on the run: APD
French Bulldogs stolen in Austin
Austin police are investigating two aggravated robbery cases where two French bulldogs were taken in different parts of town in a matter of hours.
AUSTIN, Texas - Austin police are investigating two aggravated robbery cases where two French bulldogs were taken in different parts of town in a matter of hours.
One of the suspects is still on the run.
"I think it is a shock to the conscious, our dogs are our family members, so it does weigh heavily on people," Det. Gadiel Alas with Austin police said.
APD gives update on robbery of French Bulldogs
FULL VIDEO: The Austin Police Department gave an update on an aggravated robbery case that led to two stolen French Bulldogs.
First incident
What they're saying:
The suspect in one of the cases, Servando Cruz Jr., is still on the run as of Friday, Feb. 7, wanted for three felony warrants.
Police say he showed up to the Walmart on Norwood Park in North Austin in a stolen red Corvette on Sunday, Feb. 2, around 5 p.m.
He pulled out a gun on some victims and stole their French bulldog puppy.
Officers found the Corvette and tried to arrest Cruz, but he got away.
On Wednesday, officers executed a search warrant on a home in Dale, Texas, finding the stolen puppy, two guns, one of which was stolen, and the Corvette, which was stolen out of Leander.
Police believe the Corvette has been used in other crimes. If you recognize it, contact APD.
Second incident
What they're saying:
On Sunday, Feb. 5, around 8:45 p.m. on Shady Lane in East Austin, a victim was walking his two dogs in an apartment complex.
Police say the suspect, Raderrick Harvey, drove up and demanded the victim give up the French bulldog, Freya, but the victim refused.
Harvey shot the victim in the foot and stole Freya, dragging and running over the second dog as he drove away. The second dog had minor injuries.
On Tuesday, authorities arrested Harvey in Elgin. He had two rifles and drugs. A family member of Harvey's told police where the dog was.
Other French Bulldog robberies
Big picture view:
APD says since 2021, there have been seven French bulldog robberies, a small fraction of total robbery cases.
"Other than being really cute, they do have a high monetary value. If you get a Frenchie from a reputable breeder with papers, they cost about $8,000. If you're doing a Facebook marketplace deal, anywhere from $2,800-$3,000," Alas said.
Is stealing French bulldogs a crime trend?
"Not a trend. Specifically, speaking about last Sunday, these were completely random acts done by completely random people," Alas said.
If you are worried about your pet, Alas says, "it's hard for me to say it personally, but give into the commands and let us do what we do."
Why you should care:
Christian Long with Texas Humane Heroes says smaller dogs and designer breeds are more likely to be targeted by thieves. It's important to have your pet microchipped.
"Collars can be taken off, tags can get lost, but the microchip is as fail-safe as you can get," Long said.
If you have a new pet, your first stop should be the vet.
"If they scan the dog for a microchip, and it's got someone else's information, that is going to cause some red flags," Long said.
The two dogs that were stolen on Sunday were glad to be reunited with their families.
"The first puppy that we affectionately named Timmy, he was super excited, never met a stranger. The six-to-seven week puppy was in good spirits. Freya seemed to be very elated to be leaving the place she was at," Alas said.
If you have any information on either case, APD's Robbery unit at 512-974-5092. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest.
The Source: Information from the Austin Police Department and interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin's Angela Shen