Stolen Puppies Found, Returned To Owner; 2 Arrested

HEMET, CA – Two men were arrested last week for allegedly stealing purebred puppies in a Hemet mall parking lot, and the dogs eventually were found at a Sun City motel and reunited with their owner, authorities said.

The two male English bulldog puppies -- which can fetch up to $4,500 each -- were yanked from the arms of owner Sarah Adams on July 21 at about 7:20 p.m. outside the Hemet Valley Mall on West Florida Avenue in Hemet, according to police.

The victim was told to hand over the dogs, and when she didn't, they allegedly shoved her to the ground and wrenched the puppies out of her hands, then fled.

The two suspects from Quail Valley, who are believed to be related, Samuel Ramirez, 20, and Sergio Ramirez, 18, were arrested on suspicion of robbery and conspiracy. Samuel Ramirez was arrested on July 24 in Temecula, and Sergio Ramirez was arrested July 25 in Riverside, the Hemet Police Department said.

Investigators were able to identify the alleged culprits within three days and took them into custody without incident, police said.

However, the duo "refused to provide detectives the whereabouts of the puppies,'' Hemet police Lt. Eddie Pust said.

Despite the stumbling block, investigators obtained additional information that ultimately revealed the dogs' location at the motel, and the canines were recovered in good health on Thursday, according to the lieutenant.

Sergio Ramirez has no documented prior felony convictions, but Samuel Ramirez is on probation for a first-degree burglary conviction from last year, according to police and court records.

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--Images via Hemet PD: Puppy owner Sarah Adams; suspects Samuel Ramirez and Sergio Ramirez; Det. Young and Adams; Det. Gomez, Chief Webb and Adams; Det. Gomez (left) Sgt. Elmore (center) Det. Young (right); Chief Webb. City News Service contributed to this post.