Montgomery County police say a 21-year-old man stole a Silver Spring woman’s two dogs and held them for ransom.
One of the dogs, a 3-year-old golden retriever named Scooby, was found dead near the intersection of Industrial Parkway and Route 29 in Silver Spring soon after the victim called police Monday to report the stolen dogs and the $300 ransom demand, authorities said.
Police saved the other dog, a 13-month-old poodle named Scrappy, and arrested Najle Shabay Walker of Silver Spring by posing as one of the victim’s cousins and arranging a meeting with Walker, police said. Walker told police he lost control of Scooby, and the dog died when he was struck by a car.
Walker has been charged with theft of under $1,000 and held on $1,500 bail. Additional charges are pending, authorities said.
– Freeman Klopott
