Police investigate theft of golden retriever puppy
We continue to investigate the theft of a 17-week-old golden retriever puppy who was taken from its rightful owner earlier this week.
As a result of the investigation, we have charged one woman with robbery, and have identified one suspect who we continue to search for in relation to this incident. We are also asking for the public’s help to identify four unknown suspects believed to be involved in the theft.
On Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, at approximately 4:55 p.m., it is believed the victim was taking her dog, Waverly, to training classes at the Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association, located at 5600 Centre Street N.E., when she was ambushed by a group of six individuals, one of which fled the area with the victim’s dog.
At the time, it is believed the victim entered the community association building, when she was approached by six suspects who swarmed the victim. In the commotion, the puppy was aggressively taken by one of the suspects, who then fled towards the parking lot and entered a vehicle described as a silver Honda CRV.
The remaining suspects held and confined the victim in the building’s vestibule to prevent her from retrieving the puppy.
The victim was eventually released by the suspects. She then exited the building, ran towards the Honda CRV and stood behind it in an attempt to stop the vehicle from leaving, however, one of the suspects pushed the victim out of the path of the vehicle, and it drove off with Waverly inside.
The remaining suspects fled the parking lot in two unknown vehicles.
It is believed one of the suspects is known to the victim and the dog may be in possession of the identified suspect, who may have resold the dog to someone unrelated to the theft, and the buyer may be unaware of the ongoing investigation. Charges have not yet been laid as police continue to try and locate the identified suspect.
The theft is believed to be the result of a dispute that occurred between the breeder and the victim.
Waverly remains missing at this time. We continue to seek information in relation to the dog and are also asking for the public’s help to identify four other suspects believed to be involved in the theft.
The first suspect is described as a man, approximately 30 to 40 years old, approximately 6’ tall, 165 pounds, with a slim build and blond shoulder-length hair. He was last seen wearing a brown jacket, grey T-shirt, blue jeans and dark-coloured shoes with white soles.
The second suspect is described as a woman, approximately 30 to 40 years old, approximately 5’4” tall, 125 pounds, with a slim build and long blond hair. She was last seen wearing a white sweater with blue writing on it, blue jeans and running shoes.
The third suspect is described as a man, approximately 50 to 60 years old, approximately 5’8” tall, 165 pounds, with long brown hair past his shoulders, and a slight receding hairline. He was last seen wearing a burgundy long-sleeve shirt, blue jeans and running shoes.
The fourth suspect is described as a woman approximately 30 to 40 years old, approximately 5'8” tall, 150 pounds, with long black hair and glasses. She was last seen wearing a purple sweatsuit and dark-coloured shoes.
In addition to searching for the identified suspect and the four unknown suspects, we have charged Becky HALL, 63, of Calgary, with one count of robbery. She will next appear in court on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023.
Anyone with information on Waverly’s whereabouts or the identity or location of the suspects, is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers using any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips
CA23413990/5938
