Middletown, NJ police investigate heist of cockapoo from pet shop

MIDDLETOWN — Township police are circulating a detailed description of a suspect who is accused of taking a 10-week-old dog from a Route 35 pet store Thursday afternoon.

A release from the Middletown Township Police Department said a young, black male entered The Pet Shop sometime before 1:15 p.m. and, according to the owner, asked if there were cockapoo or goldendoodle puppies for sale.

Moments after beginning to play with one of the available cockapoos, a female with brown fur, police said the man took the dog and ran out of the store.

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The man was seen running to an adjacent parking lot, according to police, where he got into a small, black SUV — possibly a Nissan Rogue — with New Jersey license plates partially reading "X58."

He is further described as having worn a blue surgical mask, ripped black jeans, orange Crocs, and a black sweatshirt with the words "Key Street" in white lettering on the sleeves.

Police did not give a reason why he might have asked for cockapoos or goldendoodles.

Anyone with potential information can call the Middletown Police Detective Bureau, 732-615-2120, or the department's anonymous tipline, 732-615-3277.

Patrick Lavery is a reporter and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at patrick.lavery@townsquaremedia.com

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