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Stolen Puppy Is Found

Yorkie Puppy

Largo police say the puppy was identified by its microchip.

LARGO – Authorities have located a Yorkshire terrier puppy that they say was stolen and traded for crack cocaine last week.

Largo police say they were called Wednesday (Jan. 20) by a St. Petersburg animal hospital that was treating the dog. After seeing reports about a stolen Yorkshire terrier puppy, animal hospital employees scanned the dog’s microchip and positively identified it. They then called authorities.

Largo police said Wednesday that they were talking with the family who had brought the dog to the vet to find out where it has been for the past week. The family, who called the dog “Cookie,” took it to the vet when it became sick. The animal hospital says the Yorkie is doing well and will be returned to All About Puppies when it is medically cleared.

Largo police arrested Wayne Junior Barfield, 38, on Friday (Jan. 15) and charged him with retail theft, having no drivers license and resisting an officer without violence, according to Pinellas County Jail and Largo police records.

Largo police say Barfield stole the puppy, valued at $1,600, from All About Puppies at 7190 Ulmerton Road on Jan. 12. They say Barfield was captured on video placing the dog down his shirt and leaving the store. Detectives said that, about 3 p.m. Jan. 12, Barfield was driven to the area of Winn Dixie and Dunkin Donuts at 4th Street and 75th Avenue N in St. Petersburg, where he allegedly traded/sold the dog in exchange for crack cocaine and cash.  Barfield, they said, acknowledged he disposed of the dog, but would not disclose to whom.

The investigation is continuing.

For information about Largo police, go to largo.com.

Picture of the puppy courtesy of Largo police.

Largo | Largo Police | Stolen Puppy | Yorkshire Terrier | Wayne Junior Barfield | TB Reporter

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