The Los Angeles Police Department arrested a suspect Sadie Slater, right, accused stealing a French bulldog named Onyx, top left, from a Whole Foods on Jan. 18, 2024. A viral video went around social media, bottom left, of the dog’s owner hanging onto a speeding getaway car. (LAPD)
The Los Angeles Police Department has made an arrest in the theft of a French bulldog where its owner was seen in a viral video hanging on to the speeding getaway car.
LAPD’s Gang and Narcotics Division announced the arrest Saturday on X, the site formerly known as Twitter. The dog, Onyx, is still missing, authorities say. Local affiliate KTLA reported the suspect was identified as Sadie Slater, 21.
Cops say the incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. at a Whole Foods 800 block of South Grand Avenue. The owner, Ali Zacharias, was eating on the patio with her 1-year-old dog, Onyx, when a woman picked up the pooch and took off running. The victim ran after the suspect, who entered a white 4-door sedan. A man was in the driver’s seat of the sedan and Zacharias stood in front of the car in hopes that he wouldn’t take off. But the man drove forward with Zacharias hanging on as the car went upwards of 40 mph down the street.
Zacharias fell off and the car got away. She suffered minor abrasions. Authorities released no word on the status of the getaway driver.
While Zacharias is happy an arrest has been made, she is more concerned about the whereabouts of Onyx.
“I love this dog,” she told KTLA. “I miss this dog. I can’t wait to see his face. I can’t wait to see him. He’ll wiggle over sideways when he sees me. He gets so happy. I can’t wait to see him.”
Because of their popularity and high value, French bulldogs have been a target for theft, most notably when Lady Gaga’s three dogs were stolen in 2021. The breed is the most stolen in the U.S., the American Kennel Club says.
KTLA said Zacharias is offering a “substantial” reward for the dog’s safe return. Anyone with information can call Zacharias at 626-264-7923 or the LAPD at 1-877-275-5273.
