Community members in Austin must remain vigilant against increasing pet thefts, particularly of French bulldogs.
Two individuals, including a primary suspect Servando Cruz Jr., have been arrested in Austin for involvement in a French bulldog theft and a related aggravated robbery incident. Cruz, facing multiple felony charges, was apprehended following a SWAT standoff. A second suspect, linked to another violent pet theft, highlights the rising concern over pet-related crimes in the community.
Two individuals have been arrested in connection with a French bulldog theft and an aggravated robbery incident in Austin. The primary suspect, Servando Cruz Jr., aged 20, was apprehended following a SWAT standoff at the Embassy Suites on South Congress Avenue. Cruz was already wanted due to an outstanding felony warrant linked to a previous aggravated robbery involving a deadly weapon. Alongside Cruz, his unnamed girlfriend was also arrested and charged with harboring a known fugitive.
In February, Cruz allegedly attempted to purchase a French bulldog puppy from a couple via Facebook Marketplace at a Walmart parking lot in northeast Austin. The situation escalated when Cruz held the couple at gunpoint, forcibly took the puppy, and threatened them before fleeing the scene in a red Corvette. Despite police locating Cruz shortly after the incident, he managed to escape at speeds exceeding 120 mph.
Authorities executed a search warrant at Cruz’s residence located in Dale, northeast of Lockhart. During this search, they discovered the stolen French bulldog puppy, identified two firearms (with one reportedly stolen), and located the red Corvette, which was also reported stolen from Leander. Investigators believe that this vehicle has been involved in various criminal activities across Central Texas. Cruz is currently being held in Travis County Jail on felony charges, including evading arrest with a vehicle and aggravated robbery.
The victims of Cruz’s initial robbery attempt experienced a traumatic event that has now led to their involvement in a criminal investigation. In a separate incident, another victim named Raderrick Harvey was arrested for stealing a French bulldog, resulting in the shooting of the dog’s owner and injuring another pet. This incident took place in East Austin, where Harvey shot the victim in the foot while attempting to steal a French bulldog named Freya. The attack occurred while the victim was out for a walk with his two dogs.
After the attack, Harvey fled the scene but was later apprehended by law enforcement. At the time of his arrest, he was found with two rifles and narcotics, but the stolen French bulldog Freya was not located. Authorities believe that since the theft, Freya has been passed around among various individuals, complicating recovery efforts.
Austin police are actively investigating both incidents and urge anyone with information regarding Cruz, the stolen Corvette, or Freya’s whereabouts to come forward. The police are focused on addressing the troubling rise in cases involving pet thefts and violent acts associated with these crimes.
These incidents highlight a concerning trend of thefts involving pets, specifically French bulldogs, which have become increasingly desirable among dog owners. The community is left unsettled by this violence and the potential dangers posed by individuals engaged in such crimes. It also raises awareness about the importance of caution when using online marketplaces.
Both suspects face serious charges, leading to court proceedings that will determine their fates. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are likely to continue monitoring the networks involved in pet theft and related violent crime. Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that may relate to animal thefts or violent robbery attempts. As both cases continue to unfold, the Austin police aim to provide updates to the public to support efforts in ensuring community safety.
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