Dog-napper nabbed for ransom threat

updated 6:19 p.m. ET May 5, 2005

BOSTON - Police in Massachusetts have arrested an alleged dog-napper who they say threatened to kill an eleven-week-old puppy unless a ransom was paid.

The dog’s owner says he left the keys and his dog inside his truck on his way into a convenience store. The truck was then stolen along with “Dakota,” a two-pound Pomeranian-Maltese mix.

The owner says he called his cellphone inside the truck -- and he says the thief answered. He says the man threatened to kill the dog if police got involved -- and demanded a $500 ransom.

The police did get involved -- and they arrested the suspect after a struggle.

The dog and truck have both been returned, and the owner says he won’t ever leave “Dakota” alone again -- “not even for 20 seconds.”

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