CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Arapahoe County Sheriff investigators still need the public’s help to identify suspects who stole puppies from a Centennial pet store.
On Friday at 1:30 p.m., deputies said three males walked into Perfect Pets at 6840 South University Blvd. and stole two bulldog puppies. The three men walked in a few minutes apart, walked around and asked employees questions, according to the media release.
The suspects asked about two bulldog puppies that were priced at $4,299 each and were kept in a locked pen near the back of the store, according to the sheriff’s office. One of the men allegedly faked a seizure to distract the employees while another man ran over to the pen, pulled the top off, grabbed the puppies and ran toward the front door.
“This was definitely our biggest theft ever, and also our most violent and unbelievable. It’s sad as you watch the videos, how somebody could treat the animals like that,” said Jens Larsen, shop owner.
Larsen said the thievery is reflective of a problem facing all types of small businesses who see criminals come into a shop and then walk out without expecting resistance.
“I’d like to see maximum punishment, you know, for this particular crime. I also think the gentleman that was the one that took the dogs should be up for animal cruelty charges,” Larsen said.
The sheriff’s office said a good Samaritan returned one of the stolen puppies Monday night after seeing a news story about the theft. She told deputies that she purchased the puppy for $1,500 from a street vendor.
“She immediately called the store when she recognized her puppy matched the photos in the story. Perfect Pets is grateful for being reunited with the dog and plans to give her a reward,” said an email to 9NEWS.
The sheriff shared a video of store staff getting one of the missing puppies returned to their care:
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Tonight, a Good Samaritan returned one of the stolen puppies after seeing a news story about the theft. She told deputies she purchased the puppy for $1,500 from a street vendor in north Denver. She immediately called the store when she recognized her puppy matched the photos in… pic.twitter.com/HSDpfFPC9D
— Arapahoe Sheriff (@ArapahoeSO) February 25, 2025
An employee tried to tackle the man and he fell to the ground, dropping the puppies, the media release says. The man got up, picked up the puppies and ran out the front door with another man.
A gold Cadillac Escalade pulled up to the front of the store and both suspects climbed inside the vehicle and then took off, ACSO said.
Timothy Davis, 38, the man who allegedly faked the seizure, was arrested at the pet store by sheriff deputies. He is facing charges of conspiracy to commit a felony, theft and drug possession.
Deputies are still looking for the other three suspects. One is a male who was wearing a large black coat and sweat pants. The other man was wearing a blue and white beanie-style hat and had brown hair. The third unidentified suspect is the driver of the Cadillac and law enforcement believes they are a female.
If you have any information about the whereabouts of the puppies or the three suspects, call the investigations tip lines at 720-874-8477. You can remain anonymous.
Content Warning: This video contains language that some people may find offensive.