Pet dog stolen from woman at Target in Port Richmond, police say

NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police are trying to track down a group of dog nappers who stole a little dog from a Philadelphia Target.

In surveillance video just released by police, a small, black Shih Tzu is seen running out of the Target on Castor Avenue in Port Richmond. Moments later, police say a woman, not the dog’s owner, scoops it up, runs to her car with two men and another woman and drives off.

Lexxi W. was at Target and described her feelings about the incident, saying, "Honestly, I would be devastated because I have two dogs of my own. So, hearing that, it's really heartbreaking."

Police say a 44-year-old woman walked into the store on October 28th just before 9:30, with her dog walking loose alongside her. When she went to use the restroom, the well-dressed doggie with red highlights ran out of the store, into the parking lot.

Alexandra Czarnik is a huge animal lover and can’t imagine this happening, commenting, "Dogs are part of the family, you know. You take care of them, you dress them. It’s kind of sad people would do that. I feel for the woman, yeah."

The dog was wearing an AirTag, which police tracked to the 2800 block of Aramingo Avenue. But, without an exact location, police say that’s where the trail goes dry.

Lexxi added, "Aww. that's sad. That's really sad. I hope she finds the dog. I do."

Police released pictures of the four suspects. If you recognize any of them, police would like you to contact East Detectives.

Shoppers are not surprised, Lexxi said, "In today's world, yes. I could believe it. With the things that go on today, I can believe it."

Czarnik agreed, saying, "At this point, nothing surprises me, unfortunately. Everyone needs to take a second to think about other people."

Police are hoping nearby surveillance cameras captured the license plate of the getaway car which, they say, was a dark-colored sedan.

If you see these suspects, investigators say do not approach them, but call 911.