WASHINGTON, D.C. — A beloved 3-month-old puppy named “Pepper” is safely back home, and a suspect is now in custody weeks after the dog was stolen from a boat in Southeast Washington. On October 31, detectives arrested 18-year-old Dante Eley, charging him with Theft in the Second Degree and Destruction of Property.
The incident began on October 11, when the boat, docked on the 100 block of Potomac Avenue, was broken into, and Pepper, a young black Cane Corso, was taken. Heartbroken, the owner reported the theft, and officials soon shared images of Pepper in an effort to bring the puppy home.
Days later, on October 19, a good Samaritan unknowingly purchased Pepper through an online ad. Upon discovering the puppy was stolen, the buyer returned Pepper to his rightful owner, who confirmed that the dog was unharmed and in good condition.
After a thorough investigation, detectives identified Eley as a suspect, leading to his arrest on October 31 around 4:30 p.m. He now faces charges related to the theft and damage from the break-in.