San Francisco Police Request Public Assistance in Locating Stolen Maltese Puppy 21-048

On February 22, 2021 at approximately 12:29 PM, San Francisco Police officers from Central Police Station responded to the 200 block of Sutter Street regarding an auto burglary and theft of a dog. The victim, a 23-year-old Los Gatos resident, told officers that he parked his Subaru SUV at approximately 10:00 AM, leaving his 4-month-old Maltese puppy, "Scruggs" inside the car. The victim returned about 30 minutes later and discovered that an unknown suspect had stolen Scruggs.

Through the course of an investigation which included surveillance video, the suspect was identified as 43-year-old Viengphet Sasone.

On February 25, 2021 at approximately 12:50 PM, SFPD officers took Sasone into custody on the 500 block of Mason Street. Sasone refused to tell investigators where Scruggs was located.

Sasone was later booked into the SF County Jail on the following charges: Auto Burglary, 2nd Degree (459 PC), Possession of Burglar Tools (466 PC) and a probation violation (1203.2(a) PC. Sasone is on probation in San Francisco County for a prior burglary offense.

SFPD Investigators are appealing to the public for assistance in locating Scruggs, ensuring his health and safety, and returning him to his family. Scrugss is a white, Maltese puppy, weighing approximately 12 pounds and last seen wearing a pink and blue leash/harness. His photo accompanies this news release.

Anyone with information is asked to call the SFPD Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD.