5 Teens Steal LI Woman's Dog, Demand $500 For Its Release: Police

ELMONT, NY — A woman's dog was stolen in Elmont, and five teens sought $500 for the dog's return, police said.

The woman discovered her Pekingese was missing just before 6 p.m. Wednesday and alerted police. She received a text on her cellphone with a photo showing five teens holding the dog with $500 written under the photo, authorities said.

Police were able to locate the teens in a parking lot on Gotham Avenue. They were taken into custody and the dog was reunited with its owner unharmed.

An investigation determined the teens found the dog and used the collar information to contact the owner. They are charged with two counts of fourth-degree grand larceny. Each of the teens was released on an appearance ticket returnable to Nassau County Family Court on June 13.