15-year-old arrested in armed theft of 2 French bulldogs on 6th Street Bridge
15-year-old arrested in armed theft of 2 French bulldogs on 6th Street Bridge
(Published Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012)
Fifteen-year-old Zachary Johnson was arrested in connection with the armed break-in of two French bulldogs at a neighborhood bridge on Monday evening in East Oakland, authorities said Tuesday.
Johnson and another 15-year-old boy were each cited with a misdemeanor charge of criminal trespassing in relation to stealing a pair of bulldogs from the Oakland Zoo by climbing over the protective cages located in the first story of the animal exhibit.
Johnson and the second teenager were seen on surveillance video entering the zoo at about 7:45 p.m., according to Police Chief Anthony Montemarano.
The pair were caught on camera stealing the bulldogs while carrying the animals between their feet, he said. Surveillance video showed the boys climbing over the protective wire cages, he added.
Surveillance video from the Oakland Zoo on Monday shows two boys entering the structure carrying two bulldogs. Surveillance video from the Oakland Zoo on Monday shows two boys entering the structure carrying two bulldogs.
The Oakland Zoo reported on Facebook that the bulldogs were found in good condition, but did not disclose who found them and that they would continue their investigation, Montemarano said.
Johnson’s parents, who were not immediately available for comment, are cooperating with police, he added.
Johnson was booked into juvenile hall Tuesday on a charge of misdemeanor criminal trespassing.
This is a developing story and police are still investigating.
The Oakland Zoo has been working with police to return the two bulldogs.
Johnson has been placed on paid leave with pay and the youth will be suspended from school until the end of the school year, according to Montemarano.
The community is also being asked to help track down the pair. Montemarano said there was no indication that the two were involved in any other activity involving a pair of bulldogs in the area.
Anyone with information is asked to
