SFPD Make Arrest in Auto Burglary Involving Animal Cruelty 18-025

On February 10, 2018 at approximately 2PM, officers responded to the 400 block of Stockton Street regarding an auto burglary involving a deceased dog. The victim returned to the location to find an unknown citizen waiting with his dog, Dunky, a four year- old black and tan Chihuahua, at the corner of Sutter and Stockton Streets. The victim initially believed his dog escaped from his vehicle and fell from the seventh floor of a parking garage. The victim went up to the seventh floor where his vehicle was parked and discovered someone had broken into it, as there was broken glass and blood throughout the car. The victim also noticed that his glove compartment had been rummaged through. When the officers arrived, they observed the evidence and began their investigation. Officers found a blood trail leading to the ledge where Dunky was thrown onto the street below. Officers also obtained dash camera footage which captured the suspect on video and audio of the crime in progress. Officers immediately recognized the suspect from prior contacts and set out to arrest him as Animal Care and Control responded to take Dunky into their care.

On February 11, 2018 at 9:51 AM, a Sergeant from Central Station spotted the suspect in the area of Polk and Bush Streets. The suspect, identified as Wakeen Best, a 35 year-old San Francisco resident, was arrested and booked into San Francisco County Jail on felony charges of burglary, animal cruelty, grand theft, possession of stolen property, carrying a concealed weapon, vandalism, and a probation violation. Best was also booked on misdemeanor charges of possession of burglary tools, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violation of a court order. Due to pending identification matters, Best’s booking photo will not be released at this time. Photos of Dunky accompany this news release and have been provided by his family. Although an arrest has been made, anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call the SFPD Anonymous Tip Line at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 with SFPD at the beginning of the message. You may remain anonymous.