Woman clings to thieves' car after French bulldog stolen in downtown L.A.

Summary

In Los Angeles, a woman named Ali Zacharias clung to the hood of a speeding car after thieves snatched her French bulldog puppy Onyx while she was having lunch downtown. The suspects pushed Ali out and drove off with Onyx, prompting her to jump in front of the car while screaming for help. A bystander captured cell phone video of the chaotic scene. Ali is devastated and desperate to get Onyx back, describing him like a child. She's offering a reward for the puppy's safe return. Police have surveillance footage of the suspects and car and are investigating.

Takeaways

• 😢 Woman desperately clings to hood of speeding car to try to prevent thieves from stealing her French bulldog puppy
• 😠 Thieves snatched woman's puppy while she was having lunch outside Whole Foods in downtown LA
• 😱 Woman jumped onto hood of getaway car and screamed for help as thieves drove off with her dog
• 📷 Bystander captured video of the woman clinging to hood of car as it raced down street
• 💔 Woman said she loves her puppy like a child and is devastated
• 🚘 Getaway car described as early 2000s white Kia Forte 4-door with missing hubcap
• 🕵️ Video footage obtained by police to try to identify suspects and follow their route
• 🙏 Woman offering reward for return of her puppy, who has unique multi-colored eyes
• ☎️ Anyone with information urged to contact LA police
• 😢 These types of dog thefts sadly very common, with thieves targeting prized breeds

Q & A

What happened in the video?

A woman named Ali Zacharias was clinging to the hood of a speeding car in downtown LA after thieves snatched her French bulldog puppy Onyx.

Where did the dog theft occur?

Outside the Whole Foods located on Grand Avenue and 8th Street in downtown LA around 2:30 pm on January 18.

How did the thieves steal Onyx?

A woman approached Onyx as he was sitting under Ali's chair and grabbed his leash. When Ali tried to stop her, the woman got into a waiting car with three other people.

What did Ali do when the thieves tried to drive away?

She jumped in front of the car and screamed for help. When no one came, she fell onto the hood as the car drove into her.

Who witnessed and filmed part of the incident?

Harrison Pesky captured cell phone footage of Ali clinging to the hood of the speeding car.

How is the getaway car described?

A white early 2000s four-door Kia Forte with a missing hubcap on the driver's front side.

What do the suspects look like?

The woman was African-American, as were the three other overweight people in the car - two other women and a male driver. None had noticeable tattoos.

What is Ali offering for Onyx's safe return?

She is offering a reward, with more details available on KTLA's website.

What makes Onyx identifiable?

He has spotted black and white fur and hazel colored eyes that distinguish him from other dogs.

Who should people contact if they have information about this crime?

The LA Police Department.