Couple Tracks Down Stolen Vehicle With Dog Still Inside, One Person Charged.

Three people are facing charges after a vehicle was stolen with a dog inside in New Glasgow on June 11, an incident that ended with the dog’s owners locating the vehicle in Alma and confronting the suspects before the group fled on foot.

Maggi MacDonald and Peter LeBlanc later tracked down their stolen grey Honda Accord, along with their dog Tim, a four-year-old Labrador-husky mix, after it was taken from the parking lot of the Sobeys in New Glasgow. The couple confronted the three people who were inside the vehicle, who then fled.

New Glasgow Regional Police said a 32-year-old man is facing multiple charges in connection with the incident, including:

Theft of a motor vehicle

Possession of property obtained by crime

Flight from police

Dangerous operation of a vehicle

Fraud under $5,000

Theft of property — specifically Tim, the couple’s dog

Because elements of the incident occurred in different jurisdictions, both New Glasgow Regional Police and the Nova Scotia RCMP laid charges.

The RCMP confirmed that three individuals have also been charged with possession of property obtained by crime.

Police said the vehicle had been left running in the parking lot with air conditioning on for the safety of the dog while the owner briefly went inside, describing the situation as a crime of opportunity.

Authorities also stressed that members of the public should not attempt to pursue suspects, citing safety risks involved in such situations.

The couple said they were relieved to recover their dog and vehicle and expressed satisfaction that charges include the theft of Tim.

They also said the experience has changed how they travel with their pet.

The accused are scheduled to appear in court at later dates.

Source: NGRP Release