So much for man’s best friend.
A suspected bike thief in California was seen pausing his alleged crime to pet and cuddle with the victim’s golden retriever, surveillance footage of the home shows.
“In a rather peculiar turn of events, as the suspect was about to make his escape, he paused to pet the household dog who had entered the garage,” the San Diego Police Department posted on its Facebook page.
An unidentified male entered a garage at a home in San Diego’s Pacific Beach neighborhood at about 10:40 p.m. on July 15 to reportedly steal a pricey 2019 black Electra 3-speed bicycle, which has an estimated cost of $1,300, according to police.
“This isn’t your average bike; it’s distinct, featuring ‘8-ball’ caps on the tire valves, an ‘8-ball’ logo on the frame, and a rear wheel frame marked with a checkered black and white pattern,” the police department said.
But as the suspect is about to leave with the stolen bike, the household’s dog appears in the garage – stopping the suspect in his tracks.
The suspect pulls the bike back into the garage, engages the bike’s kickstand and then turns his attention to the friendly dog with pets and belly rubs, the video shows.
“You’re so cool,” the man is heard telling the dog. “You’re the coolest dog I’ve ever known. I love you, too. You’re a sweetheart.”
The man then calls out for the dog’s “dad,” while asking, “where’s your dad?” and appearing to say its owner “should not leave your garage open.”
The suspect then carried on with stealing the bike.
“The suspect is described as a white male, last seen wearing a blue and white hat, gray shirt, blue shorts, and orange athletic shoes. He was carrying a black and blue backpack,” the San Diego Police Department wrote on Facebook.
Police said the suspect is still at large and is asking the public to come forward with any tips on the case, “no matter how minor it might seem.”
