A Florida family's search for their missing dog took an unexpected turn when the woman who found him allegedly held him for ransom.
A Florida woman has been arrested after allegedly demanding $1,000 from a family in exchange for returning their missing dog, according to the Marion County Sheriff's Office.
The incident occurred in Marion County, Florida, after a family lost track of their dog, Teddy, who had wandered away from home. However, the woman who found him later refused to return him without payment.
According to investigators, Teddy's owners discovered a Facebook post from a woman named Christina Spence Reid, who claimed to have found a missing dog. The family contacted Reid after recognizing Teddy in the post.
Woman Allegedly Demanded $1,000 for Dog's Return
Reid reportedly sent the family a photograph of herself with the dog, confirming that she had him in her possession. However, when the owners attempted to arrange his return, she allegedly demanded $1,000 before agreeing to return their pet.
The family tried to negotiate with Reid via Facebook Messenger, but she reportedly refused to hand over Teddy without receiving the money.
Reid allegedly responded to one of the family's messages, "When you gonna have my money?" A follow-up message was sent soon after, reading, "U don't want your dog?"
After their attempts to retrieve Teddy were unsuccessful, the family contacted law enforcement for assistance.
Police Find Woman With Missing Dog
Deputies investigated the incident and eventually located Reid at her home, where Teddy was still in her possession.
According to the sheriff's office, "Deputies located Spence Reid at her home with Teddy still in her possession, and she admitted that she planned to keep him unless the victims paid."
Authorities subsequently arrested the 37-year-old woman on Saturday, October 10. Reid was charged with grand theft in connection with the incident. She was released from custody the following day after posting a $2,500 bond, according to local reports.
Fortunately, Teddy was returned to his rightful owners following the investigation.