Poodle Rescued From Masked Dognapper Who Snuck Up On Woman Walking Pup In SMC: Police

SAN MATEO, CA — A masked dognapper stole a poodle while the owner was walking the dog Monday morning in San Mateo in what police are calling a targeted incident.

At 9:05 a.m. on Monday, the San Mateo Police Department got a call about a dog being stolen in the area of Hayward Avenue and Palm Avenue.

Police said the victim told them that she was walking her daughter's dog when a masked suspect approached the victim from behind.

The suspect picked up the leashed poodle and tried to pull the dog away from the victim, which caused her to fall, and the suspect was able to unhook the dog’s leash, fleeing with the dog in a nearby car, police said.

Witnesses told officers which way they suspect had fled and police pulled them over on Highway 101, just north of Marsh Road.

Officers said they arrested David Frankhauser, 33, of San Diego for second-degree robbery, and the poodle was safely transported back to their family.

Police said that this was a targeted incident involving known parties.