Update: The dog's owner says they have been reunited and that the dog is healthy.
Original reporting below:
MILWAUKEE – Richard Hoover is pleading for the safe return of his dog who he said was taken during a carjacking Sunday.
Hoover said after dropping off his girlfriend and finishing unloading his car, things went from good to bad in a matter of seconds when two men starting making their way to his front door.
His key was still in the ignition.
“I stepped in front and said no, 'please don’t take my car," Hoover said. "One of them pointed a gun at me and said move back or I'll shoot."
So he did, but before pleading with the carjackers for his dog George who was still inside the car. He said the pair didn't listen and drove off with both his car and dog.
"They were trying to get out there in seconds. I don’t think they cared at all," Hoover said. "I’m hoping that they—or rather taking care of him or gave him to someone who you know is going to watch him until hopefully they bring him to a shelter, a vet, the police station wherever.”
Milwaukee police is now asking for the public's help finding and identifying those responsible. They said four young men are suspected to have been involved in the carjacking and dog theft.
Hoover said luckily his car had a LoJack so with the help of police they later found the it but have yet to find George. He also said he's accepted what's happened and isn't seeking punishment, just his dog.
“If you’re not going to have empathy for the dog, have empathy for me," he said. “Know that people who love him and want to see him back home.”
Hoover said he's are offering a $500 cash for George's safe return and hoping the reward will encourage people to do the right thing.
Full MPD statement:
Milwaukee Police are requesting the public’ s assistance in identifying and locating the suspects wanted in connection to an armed robbery / carjacking that occurred on October 15th, 2023, at approximately 6:26 p.m., on the 2300 block of N . Oakland Ave. Suspect #1 is described as an African American male, who is 18-19 years of age 6 ' 00 “ tall and weighs 170 lbs. He has black, twisty style medium length hair and was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with a colorful design on the chest and black pants.
Suspect #2 is described as an African American male, who is 18-19 years of age, 5'10 " inches tall and weighs 150 lbs. He has black twisty style medium hair and was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with a colorful design on the chest, black pants, and was armed with a black handgun.
Suspect #3 and # 4 are described as African American males, 18-19 years of age, last seen wearing all black clothing.
The suspects took the victim 's vehicle at gunpoint which contained his dog. The vehicle was recovered however, the dog, "George", was not in the vehicle. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milwaukee Police at (414) 935-7360, or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (414)224-Tips or P3 Tips.
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