Although the victim's vehicle has been located by the Sheriff's Department in the City of Lakewood, the LBPD is asking for the public's help in locating the companion dog that was inside the vehicle at the time it was taken, or the suspect vehicle wanted in connection with this investigation.
On Tuesday, January 13, 2015, at approximately 6:30 p.m., a woman and her daughter parked their bronze 1985 Nissan Maxima, CA license plate 5RIA079, in a shopping center parking lot on the southeast corner of Cherry Avenue and 68th Street in Long Beach and entered the store. When they returned moments later, the vehicle was missing and they called police.
Detectives were able to view video footage in the area and learned that shortly after the vehicle was left, a white full-size extended cab construction truck parked next to the Maxima. A passenger in the truck got out, entered the Maxima, and drove off with the dog in the back seat. The truck followed the Maxima and both vehicles left the area. It is possible the thief was unaware of the dog’s presence.
The dog, a tan and white male Chihuahua mix named "Sandy" is a companion dog to the victim’s daughter. She relies on Sandy to provide her comfort due to her medical condition. The loss of Sandy is exacerbating her condition, and his return is important to her well-being. Sandy was wearing a metal chain type collar, but did not have an identification tag or identification chip. Animal Care Services has been informed to be on the lookout for Sandy.
Anyone with information regarding this incident or on the whereabouts of Sandy or the vehicle is asked to contact Long Beach Police Auto Theft Corporal Joe Starbird at (562) 570-7364. Anyone locating Sandy should contact Animal Care Services at (562) 570-7387.
