A dog snatcher walked into a Dallas pet store on Monday, then ran away with a Malti-Tzu puppy in his arms to a waiting car, according to police.

Dallas News reports that the suspect walked into a Petland at 11909 Preston Road, at around around 7 p.m. He asked to see a golden-colored Malti-Tzu, who had a price tag of $2,600. A sales associate placed the puppy with the suspect in a viewing room for a “meet and greet”. As soon as he had the puppy in his arms, he walked out of the store. He got into a car with someone who was apparently waiting on him.

The suspect was described as a black male with an average build. He was wearing a black shirt, black pants, and a black and white baseball cap with the letters “AKO” on the front.

The incident marks the 5th time in the past five years that a puppy at the North Dallas Petland has been stolen. In previous years, thieves stole a French Bulldog worth $6,666, eight puppies worth $12,000, a $1,700 parrot, and a Siberian Husky puppy.

The story is still developing. Check back with Crime Online as additional details become available. In the meantime, anyone with any information about the pet store robbery is urged to contact the Dallas Police Department.

[ Feature Photo: wsilver/Flickr Creative Commons]