SUGAR LAND – Police in Sugar Land are asking for the community’s help after a woman allegedly stole a cat from an adoption center at a Petco, and was later found dumped near San Antonio.
The cat, a tabby named Charlie Brown, was stolen at Petco located in the 3300 block of Highway 6 near Williams Trace.
The Homeless and Orphaned Pets Endeavor (HOPE), who had Charlie Brown up for adoption, said several cats were kept in a cat tower crate in the cat room for a short period to allow people to meet them during store hours.
However, on Dec. 26 sometime after 2 p.m., a woman wearing a beige or gray-colored cardigan, red neck wrap, and black leggings was caught on camera entering the store. She was seen walking around for about an hour before breaking into the cat room, snatching Charlie Brown, and placing him in a white box.
Police said employees told officers that the woman had entered an employee-only area and took the cat to a secure cage,
At around 3 p.m., the woman was seen leaving the store with the white box.
As of this writing, the woman was not identified. However, police described her as a woman in her 30s or 40s who carried a black purse.
One week later, Charlie Brown was found. Animal control officers found the feline wandering as a stray in Jourdanton, just south of San Antonio.
Thankfully, the feline was microchipped.
HOPE says Charlie Brown lost a pound but is expected to be OK.
KPRC 2′s Deven Clarke returned to the Petco in Sugar Land and found at least five cameras outside the store, and several inside.
“That’s awful, now that part I’ll never understand especially if they’re up for adoption, because the adoption fee is very low,” said Vanessa Archie, a shopper.
“It’s very sad. I mean the animal is already going through a trauma anyway going from one being displaced to trying to get into another home,” said Phillip Smith.
At this time, Charlie Brown is safe and sound with a foster, according to HOPE.
“Thank you to everyone who shared his photo and kept an eye out for him. We are relieved,” HOPE said in a Facebook post.
Officers with Sugar Land PD are still investigating this case.
If you are interested in adopting Charlie Brown, you can contact HOPE here.