Utah Family Reunited With Dog Stolen From San Diego Campsite

SAN DIEGO, CA — After driving all night, a family from Utah was reunited with their beloved dog Friday after the pup was stolen last week from a San Diego campground.

The Grillo family was vacationing at Campland by the Bay on Aug. 2 when they noticed their mini goldendoodle, Chancho, was not in his crate outside of their tent. The family searched for their pet the following morning and later reviewed security footage, where they saw what appeared to be Chancho being led away on a leash by a man and notified police, according to the San Diego Police Department.

After reviewing hours of footage, detectives spotted the man entering the park without a dog and then leaving with Chancho, police Lt. Adam Sharki said.

The suspect, Johnny Smith, 40, was arrested Thursday in National City, Sharki said. He was booked on suspicion of felony theft charges.