HERNANDO COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Hernando County Sheriff’s deputies arrested an Amazon driver on theft charges after they say he stole a French bulldog while delivering packages.
On December 23, 2023, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) says they responded to a home on Copper Hill Drive in Spring Hill to investigate the theft of a French bulldog.
When they arrived, the dog’s owner told them she let her dog Kali outside on December 22 around 9:15 a.m. Shortly after, she told deputies she noticed Kali had escaped from the home’s fenced yard.
The dog’s owner told authorities that a neighbor witnessed Kali walk up to a man who was driving an older, white Chevrolet Cruze. The neighbor also said the man was wearing an Amazon uniform, according to a news release from HCSO posted on Facebook. The neighbor said the Amazon driver, later identified as 34-year-old Reinier Revilla, had just delivered a package to a residence on Copper Hill Drive.
The sheriff’s office says another neighbor saw the man pick up the dog, put it in his backseat and drive off.
The release says the dog owner originally contacted Amazon customer support to file a report and they advised her to contact law enforcement. The woman provided deputies with a picture and description of Kali who is a year old and valued at $4,000, according to HCSO.
On January 16, 2024, HCSO detectives went to Revilla’s home in Tampa to interview him about the dog.
Detectives say he admitted that he took the dog and still had Kali. Deputies recovered Kali and returned her to the owner later that day.
Detectives obtained a warrant to arrest Revilla for grand theft. HCSO says he turned himself in to the Hillsborough County Jail on January 19 and was released after posting a $5,000 bond.
Deputies ask anyone with any additional information to contact Hernando County Crime Stoppers at 1-866-990-8477. You can also submit a tip online here. You will remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward up to $5,000.