A French Bulldog similar to the one who got stolen in Washington D.C. last week before the dog was ransomed.
(Photo Credit: Mel Melcon | Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Dog Stolen, Then Ransomed Before Being Returned

A woman in Washington, D.C., who had her 6-month-old French Bulldog stolen in an armed robbery last week, has been reunited with her pet, as per reporting by NBC4. After the harrowing event, Teffiney Worthy said she received a message from a woman on Instagram who claimed to have her dog, Hendrix. There were also ransom demands made. Following that interaction, Worthy contacted the police. Subsequently, authorities tracked the dog down and safely returned him to his owner.

Ransom demanded for return of French Bulldog

Worthy said the woman who direct messaged her on Instagram sent a video of Hendrix and demanded $900 for his return. “She said that she didn’t want the police involved, and if you can come get the dog and just drop off the money or Cash App the money.”

Authorities mentioned that Worthy was not on the scene during the recovery “operation.” Furthermore, the person who attempted to ransom the dog is not under arrest.

Worthy got Hendrix as a birthday gift after she lost her previous dog, Memphis, in a flooding incident at a doggy daycare in August. After reuniting with the stolen pet, she said, “He’s going to be with me, for sure, all cuddled up in my arms.”

The DC Police Department also posted a photo of Worthy’s reunion with Hendrix on X, formerly known as Twitter.

How the dog was stolen

On Saturday, Worthy was returning to her apartment after taking Hendrix out for a walk. It was then when a masked man stopped her, demanding her pet. Two cars pulled up outside her building before the driver of one car stepped out. He proceeded to yell at her, “Give me your dog or I’m gonna kill you.” Subsequently, she turned her pet over to the assailant.

Later, Worthy took to X to post a photo of the suspect and a video of the incident. The DC Police Department then reshared that image on their own social media account, along with a statement regarding the incident. Police described the assailant as a five-foot-five-inch tall man wearing “a black ski mask, black coat, light denim jeans, and colorful shoes.”

Authorities are currently working to find the person who stole the dog. Anyone with information regarding the suspect can call the police at 202-727-9099 or leave an anonymous tip at 50411.

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