LARGO, Fla. (AP) - A Yorkshire terrier puppy that was swiped from a Florida pet store, stuffed down a person's sweater and traded for crack cocaine has been found unharmed.
Largo police report in a news release that the $1,600, 2-pound pup was found Wednesday morning at a St. Petersburg animal hospital.
Video surveillance at All About Puppies shows a man placing the dog down his shirt and leaving. A tip led detectives to 38-year-old Wayne Junior Barfield, who was arrested Friday and charged with grand theft.
The release says Barfield traded the dog for crack and cash in St. Petersburg. The person who bought the puppy later brought it to a clinic because the animal got sick.
The clinic then scanned the puppy's microchip.
Barfield was being held on more than $5,000 bail.
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(ORIGINAL STORY)
LARGO, Fla. (AP) - Florida authorities are searching for a $1,600 Yorkshire terrier that they say a man stole from a pet store and traded for crack cocaine.
Largo police said video surveillance at the store All About Puppies shows a man placing the dog down his shirt and leaving. A tip led detectives to 38-year-old Wayne Junior Barfield, who was arrested Friday and charged with grand theft.
The release says Barfield traded the dog for crack and cash in St. Petersburg. It's not clear where the dog is now. Police say Barfield wouldn't tell them who he traded it to.
The Yorkie is microchipped, and veterinarians will be alerted to the dog's status.
All About Puppies is offering a $1,000 reward for its return.
Barfield was being held on more than $5,000 bail.
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