Dognapping Suspect Shows No Loyalty to Police
By VIKKI VARGAS
Updated 1:18 PM PST, Mon, Jan 26, 2009
Fullerton police said a man who agreed to turn himself in on dognapping charges is missing.
Twenty-one-year-old Brian Espinoza is wanted for burglary and grand theft. According to detectives, the La Habra man went into the Petian pet store on Euclid Avenue on Dec. 21 and stole a $1,600 Yorkshire Terrier, while acting as if he was playing with the dog.
"Our detectives have been in contact with Mr. Espinoza throughout the investigation and had an agreement with him to turn himself in this past Monday, Jan. 5," said Sgt. Mike McDonald.
Police said Espinoza's alleged partner, Brandon Nguyen, dared him to take the dog for $400. Nguyen was arrested and is out on $50,000 bail.
Authorities said Espinoza also wears black rimmed glasses.
The dog was returned to the pet store, where the owner said he plans to keep it and name it "Lucky."
First Published: Jan 7, 2009 3:22 PM PST
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