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Milwaukee man's dog returned safely after it was stolen at gunpoint

Posted at 5:39 PM, Aug 18, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-18 21:03:30-04

**UPDATE: Tuesday, August 18 at 6:51 p.m.**

The Milwaukee Police Department has confirmed that Don's dog has been returned. They now have three males in custody with charges expected in the coming days.

Milwaukee Police are searching for two suspects they say held a man at gunpoint and stole his dog.

"I am just devastated and so filled with anxiety and worry for what Henri could be going through," said Don, the dog's owner.

Afraid to show his face and share his last name, Don recounts the moment his French bulldog, Henri, was taken from him.

The two were walking on Jackson north of Chicago Street in the city's Third Ward around 5:15 p.m. Monday when Don says a car came up behind them.

"The driver side door and passenger door flew open and a guy with a gun got out and just said give him to me," said Don.

That's when he realized the robbers wanted Henri. Don was hurt trying to keep the dog at his side.

"I held onto the leash as hard as I could for as long as I could and they had a gun on me the entire time. Finally, a second guy got out of the car and they got him away from me and drove off. I fell to the street," said Don.

Henri is about to turn 4. He is black brindle with a white patch on his chest, and he weighs about 26 pounds. Don suspects Henri's breed made him a target.

"The police thought perhaps because they might’ve driven by, saw it was a French bulldog, and then circled back. It’s unnerving to think if they were watching me for like a while, but they saw the dog somehow," said Don.

"It's disheartening to know that people are desperate enough to want to take somebody's dog," said Lauren Houg.

Lauren lives in the neighborhood. She recognized Don as a caring dog owner and said the news makes her even more cautious.

"When something like this happens, it opens your eyes that it could happen to anyone, and people are desperate for certain things and will do anything," said Lauren.

Don says Henri takes meds for anxiety so he worries if Henri acts strangely what the thieves will do to him.

"Please just give him back," Don pleaded.

Police say the car involved in the robbery is a black vehicle possibly a Chrysler. MPD only had a vague description of the suspects.

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