Puppy Bit Would-Be Dognapper In Woodbridge: Police

WOODBRIDGE, VA — A man tried to steal a dog that was on a walk with its owner in Woodbridge on Thursday morning, according to the Prince William County Police Department. The dog bit the suspect and returned to its owner, police said.

The dog and its owner, a 27-year-old woman, were not harmed in the robbery attempt.

Authorities have not identified a suspect yet; he ran away from the scene before police officers arrived. Investigators described the suspect as a white man who is about 5 feet, 6 inches tall with a thin build. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, a white sweatshirt covering his face, and black pants.

The incident occurred around 12:15 a.m. on Thursday in the 13000 block of Kenmar Drive in Woodbridge. The victim was walking her 6-month-old pit bull when an unknown man approached her, according to the police report. The man asked if he could hold the dog, and the victim declined.

The man picked up the dog anyway and started to run away, authorities said. He quickly tripped and fell down. The dog then bit him and returned to its owner, according to investigators.

The man ran away before police officers arrived.

Anyone with more information about this incident can contact the police department's tipline at 703-792-7000. Tips can also be submitted online.