Charges Filed Against Alleged Shakopee Dog Thief With Northfield Ties

Police have named the suspect in Monday's dognapping.

Erik Andrew Johnson, 31, is believed to be the man who bolted out of Petland Shakopee with a $2,500, 9-week-old Chihuahua puppy.

As previously reported by Shakopee Patch, police were led to a Northfield residence after running the license plate number captured by Petland employees. When police issued a search warrant on the home there was no dog to be found. (However, a substantial pot growing operation was discovered.)

A woman living at the residence told police she was aware of the pot operation, but not involved. According to Shakopee Valley News, the woman was identified as the mother of a female acquaintance of Johnson's; the three of them reside in the home together. Northfield News identified the female as Johnson's girlfriend.

The car Johnson used to flee the pet store is owned by his female acquaintance. The woman told police Johnson asked to borrow her car Monday morning so he could take care of some business since they were "hurting" for money, Northfield News reported. She also said Johnson later told her he was caught on surveillance video taking the dog. He then packed two duffel bags and said he was going to the state of Washington.

Store employees picked Johnson out of a six-person photo line-up, according to Shakopee Valley News. A nationwide warrant has been issued for Johnson's arrest.

Related articles:

• Hunt for Stolen Shakopee Puppy Leads Police to Pot Growing Operation
• VIDEO: Store Says Man Caught on Camera Stole 2-month-old Chihuahua
• Police Have Suspect in Shakopee Dog Snatcing Incident

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Other media:

• Nationwide warrant sought for alleged dognapper
• Stolen puppy in Shakopee leads to seizure of marijuana growing operation in Northfield