Suspects in Chihuahua Thefts Had Bigger Plans, Police Say
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Three men have been arrested in connection with the theft from an Irvine animal shelter of two Chihuahua puppies they apparently had mistaken for pit bulls, police said.
Mehrad Sepanjasa, 19, Ariyo MacKay, 18, and Kamyar Katouzian, 24, were arrested Wednesday at a local pet supply store when they brought the puppies for vaccinations, according to Irvine Police Lt. Dave Freedland.
A store employee alerted authorities after seeing a flier describing the puppies stolen from the shelter Sunday. The flier said the puppies could be identified by microchips implanted under their skin.
The employee said the men insisted the dogs were pit bull pups after veterinary staff members said they were Chihuahuas.
The men were held on suspicion of receiving stolen property, and the pups were returned to the shelter in good condition, police said.
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