Stolen dog reunited with owner after big reward and good police work help locate the suspect

BOSTON — Police arrested a suspect on a pending warrant Thursday, who is also accused of swiping a Chihuahua from outside a Back Bay supermarket over the weekend.

24-year-old Emily Sardo of Boston had an existing warrant out for her arrest and was taken into custody for that. The dog was in her possession at the time, according to Boston Police.

Alejandro, a tan, white-haired chihuahua, was allegedly taken from outside a Whole Foods grocery store on Westland Avenue around 10:41 a.m. on Saturday.

“You know I left the dog outside the Whole Foods I thought it was a safe area,” said Shelly Vermani, Alejandro’s owner.

A description of the suspect was broadcasted, as well as a picture of the incident.

On Thursday morning, a Boston police detective received a tip regarding the whereabouts of the stolen dog.

Police say the sergeant searched the area of Old Colony Avenue and saw a woman matching the suspect’s description, later identified as Sardo.

“They said they saw a woman who looked suspicious kind of dragging a dog that looked like him. And I kind of knew that was him because of his personality because he hates being on a leash,” said Vermani.

The Sergeant Detective allegedly asked Sardo, “Where is the dog?” to which she replied she didn’t know. The officer then advised her of the reward for the dog. Sardo allegedly responded that she wanted the money first, to which the Sergeant Detective said he needed to see the dog first.

A few minutes later, police say Sardo returned with Alejandro and she was placed into custody.

Boston PR whiz George Regan saw the story and offered a $2,500 dollar reward which Vermani matched and she thinks the money made all the difference.

“Being reunited with him is better than any type of money I could receive,” said Vermani.

Sardo was released and will be summoned to court at a later date.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

©2023 Cox Media Group