Alleged Burglar Charged with Stealing Puppy from Naperville Petland

NAPERVILLE, IL — Although the puppy taken from a Naperville Petland is still missing, the man who allegedly took her has been charged with retail theft.

A $50,000 warrant has been issued for the arrest Benjamin Ocasio, Jr., 27, of the 200 block of Spruce Street in Aurora, according to a report from the Chicago Tribune.

Ocasio allegedly took the 12-week-old Pomeranian named Bella Sept. 4 from the store. He was accompanied by a 27-year-old woman who has not been charged according to the report.

"The investigation led to (Ocasio) being charged with the crime," Arres told the paper. "The facts of the case led to only Ocasio being charged … (while) the female who was with him will not be charged with the crime."

Ocasio is scheduled to appear Nov. 16 in Kane County Circuit Court on an alleged burglary charge, according to online court records.

Bella was dumped in the back yard of a home in Aurora and has not been seen since. Police are still working on locating the puppy. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for the safe return of the dog.

Photo courtesy of Naperville Petland