Dog theft suspect arrested

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RENO " Reno police have arrested a man suspected of stealing two English bulldog puppies, then running over and killing the mother dog, as the bandits fled in their car from a home last month.

Jonathan Johnson, 22, was arrested Wednesday on charges of burglary and cruelty to animals, police Lt. Robert McDonald said.

Another man, Michael Donica, 31, was being sought for questioning in the case. He also goes by the moniker "White Rabbit," and may be in the company of a woman named "Alice."

The puppies, valued at $1,800 each, had been advertised for sale for about three weeks when two men broke into a Sun Valley home early Nov. 19, police said.

They snatched the dogs from a kennel and ran to a waiting vehicle.

One of the homeowners ran after the suspects but was struck by their vehicle as they fled. He suffered scrapes and bruises.

A 5-year-old bulldog named Wendy followed her owner out the door and was struck and killed by the fleeing dognappers.

McDonald said the puppies may have been taken out of state.

"We're not certain of the status of the puppies," he said Thursday, adding the investigation continued.