2 Men Charged With Burglary Of Deaf Pit Bull Puppy

TIMONIUM, Md. (WJZ) -- We're learning more about how Baltimore County Police solved a dognapping that went viral.

Monique Griego has more on how they tracked down Thor, a deaf pit bull puppy.

Thor's story really captured the hearts of the community and the Baltimore County Police Department. For the past few weeks, they've been following leads, hoping to make an arrest and get Thor back.

For three long weeks, Anna Hiken and Mike Lenhart's minds were filled with horrible thoughts of what may have happened to their dog, Thor. The then-13-week-old puppy was taken in a burglary at the couple's Timonium apartment.

WJZ sat down with them as they pleaded for the public's help in finding him.

"To take a family member out of somebody's household--it's almost like they took a child. He is our baby, you know what I mean?" they said.

After WJZ's story aired, Thor's picture went viral. In addition to donations for a reward, tips also poured in to Baltimore County Police.

After a few dead ends, a break in the case finally came this week.

"We received information that two suspects wanted to sell Thor back to the owners and that there were arrangements made to do that on the parking lot of the White Marsh Mall," said Elise Armacost, Baltimore County Police.

Burglary investigators set up the sting not knowing if anyone would show. But just as planned, two suspects showed up to the mall with little Thor in tow. They came to collect money but got arrested instead.

"They were able to get the dog back and return him safe and sound to owners," Armacost said.

While the investigation is ongoing, police believe the men are linked to the break-in. Both are charged with robbery.

For detectives who usually deal with finding material things, Thor's case was a special one to close.

"It's their job to return property to the owner but because it was a puppy, this was even more meaningful. Everyone is happy that Thor is back home," Armacost said.

Both of the men are being held on a $20,000 bond.

Thor's owners are happy he's home. They thanked everyone who spread his story and helped him get back home safely.

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