- The Washington Times - Sunday, February 4, 2024

Los Angeles police said they arrested a woman Friday in connection to a dognapping incident that went viral when the animal’s owner was caught on video clinging to the hood of the suspect’s getaway vehicle.

Authorities said they took Sadie Slater, 21, into custody on suspicion of robbery charges related to the theft of the French bulldog, Onyx, last month.

LAPD said one-year-old Onyx was stolen on Jan. 18 when a woman swiped the dog while owner Ali Zacharias was eating outside of a Whole Foods in downtown.

Police said Ms. Zacharias chased the suspect to her getaway vehicle, but was pushed away from the car by the woman and three other people inside.

That’s when authorities said Ms. Zacharias threw herself onto the car’s hood to try and stop the dognapping.

Bystanders captured the dramatic incident as the thieves raced south on Grand Avenue.

The thieves drove several blocks with the victim on their car before making a sharp U-turn to throw the woman off. Ms. Zacharias suffered minor injuries from the fall.

“It was very shocking to see, but at the same time it was very helpful in identifying the vehicle and the license plate and the occupants,” LAPD Officer Jader Chaves told KTLA about the video.

Ms. Slater was released on bail on Saturday. She is due back in court Feb. 28.

Despite the arrest, Onyx still hasn’t been located by police.

• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.

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