Update: Stolen service dog returned to owner

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating the suspect in an auto theft case, and the location / recovery of the victim’s service dog “Bridgett.”

On Oct. 8 at approximately 11 a.m., a white 1999 Ford Escort was momentarily left parked and unattended in the 3200 block of W. Box Canyon Drive in Post Falls.

Inside the Ford Escort was a purse, overnight bag, and the victim’s 4-year-old black Yorkie service dog named “Bridgett.” When the victim returned to where the vehicle was parked, it had been stolen. At the time of the theft, Bridgett was wearing a collar with her name on a heart shaped tag and was inside a pink dog carrier.

On Oct. 11, the Ford Escort was recovered in Spokane, but there were no signs of the victim’s service dog.

Approximately 20 minutes after the Ford Escort was stolen, the individual in the attached surveillance photo attempted to use a debit card belonging to the victim.

If you recognize the individual in the photograph, or know the location of Bridgett, we ask you to please contact the Kootenai County Sheriff’s detectives at 208-446-2237, or after hours at 208-446-1300.

Ben Wolfinger, Sheriff

By: Gary Shults, Community Service Officer