Hollister Police officers released surveillance photos Wednesday of a man suspected of taking a dog from a local business on McCray Street.
At 7:15 p.m. on Monday, Joe Martinez, of Hollister, was in the Savemart parking lot when his dog jumped out his car window. According to a police report, the dog ran into the business and Martinez followed the dog into the store to retrieve it but he was not able to find the dog in the store.
According to the report, a witness reported seeing a man allegedly pick up the dog and take it to a white SUV. The man alleged drove away with the dog. then drive. Surveillance video showed a man dressed in black clothing picking up the dog and walking out of the store.
The dog has not been brought to the shelter and the Hollister Police Animal Care and Services bureau has not received any reports of found dogs.
The dog is described as a 1-and-a-½ year-old yellow Labrador retriever with a white collar. Police were able to obtain images of the alleged suspect from surveillance footage.
Animal Care and Services officials stated that dogs are personal property and if residents find a dog they should contact the local animal shelter to file a found report. The staff can also scan for a microchip.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is requested to call Officer Ray Celano at 831-636-4330 or Animal Care Supervisor Julie Carriero at 831-636-4320. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
