Owner offers $5K reward after French bulldog stolen at gunpoint in Oakland

Bay Area authorities are investigating yet another pet theft at gunpoint.

The incident happened in Oakland's Adams Point neighborhood late Thursday, police have confirmed to KCBS Radio.

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The owner, who would only identify herself as "Rita," said she was walking with her six-year-old French bulldog "Dezzie" about a block from her home when she was approached by someone with a gun who took her dog.

It happened at about 7 p.m. near Park View Terrace and Montecito Ave. just blocks from Lake Merritt, KPIX reported.

"Dezzie" the French bulldog seen in undated photos.
"Dezzie" the French bulldog seen in undated photos. Photo credit KPIX

"I just want him back," she told KCBS Radio.

She's offering a $5,000 reward with "no questions asked" in exchange for the dog's safe return. "I want my pup back," Rita pleaded. "I've raised him since he was nine weeks and this is just the worst thing for me."

No one was hurt. The investigation is ongoing.

She's asking tipsters to call her at 415-323-5278.

Police wouldn't confirm details, including possible suspects, the breed of the pet or type of vehicle used in the robbery. The incident happened very close to the same spot that current "Jeopardy!" champion Amy Schneider was robbed at gunpoint two weeks ago.

The robbery marks the latest in a string of pet thefts across the Bay Area over the last several months.

Two such incidents happened just last week in San Franciscoboth ending with recovery of the animals. French bulldogs have been a particularly sought-after breed, with similar thefts in Oakland and San Jose last year. A high-profile robbery involving a French bulldog in San Francisco's Russian Hill neighborhood last February has yet to be solved.

"People have told me about (other French bulldog robberies," Rita added. "I tried to be cautious, but I wasn't cautious enough...got caught off-guard."

Anyone with information is asked to call Oakland police at 510-238-3326.

Featured Image Photo Credit: KPIX