Dispute over ownership of puppies results in 2 arrests, Olympia police say

A 34-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of first-degree robbery late last month after they allegedly stole three puppies, according to Olympia police.

Police first reported the incident in the department’s weekly update newsletter for the week ending July 10.

The two suspects threatened to punch the 31-year-old woman, then sprayed what police described as “bear mace” in the victim’s face to take the puppies, Olympia police Lt. Paul Lower said.

About 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, police were dispatched to the 3200 block of Martin Way East, a homeless encampment sometimes referred to as The Jungle.

The victim explained she was sitting at her tent with her three puppies, 14 to 16 weeks old, when the man and woman approached her about the ownership of the dogs, Lower said.

That conversation became an argument, then they demanded the dogs, finally resulting in the threats, Lower said. The 34-year-old man allegedly ordered his 20-year-old accomplice to spray the woman with the mace.

After the two were arrested, the dogs were returned to the victim, he said.