Man caught for stealing dog from OC breeder

SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- A Duarte man is behind bars, accused of stealing a French bulldog from an Orange County breeder in December.

Darryl Jerome Cole allegedly answered an ad from a Santa Ana breeder who was selling Macy.

The breeder, Lorina Tucker, said the thief slammed her to the ground and took the puppy.

Working on a tip, investigators said they went to Cole's home and found the stolen bulldog and a second bulldog puppy.

Tucker said Macy was hungry and smelly but happy to be home.

"I never really thought I'd get the dog back. I was going to be happy if they caught the guy and saved someone else from losing their dog. So we got her back, it's just amazing," said Tucker.

Authorities said Cole was already on probation for stealing dogs, and they're investigating his possible involvement in other dog thefts in Chino, Costa Mesa and Temecula.

Cole is in jail on $50,000 bail.

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