Stolen dogs returned by suspect's sister, car still missing

MAPLEWOOD, Minn. (KMSP) - UPDATE: The dogs were safely returned to their owners late Monday by the suspect's sister. The car is still missing.

Police in Maplewood, Minnesota are trying to find a car that was stolen from a gas station Sunday evening. Police have released a photo of a suspect investigators are trying to identify in connection with the theft. If you can identify this person, call or text Maplewood police at 651-755-6769.

The vehicle is a 2013 black Ford Fusion with Minnesota license plate 2DG 309. The car has damage to the rear driver’s side bumper from a previous accident.

On Feb. 11, around 6:20 p.m., the victims parked their car in front of the Holiday gas station at 1285 Cope Avenue in Maplewood, near Highway 36 and English Street. Due to the cold temperature and the fact they had their two dogs in the car, they left the vehicle running with the keys inside.  

While the owners were inside the store, a suspect exited the store and, after walking past the running vehicle and turning around, he got into the car and drove away with the dogs inside.

The suspect arrived at the gas station in a dark-colored, newer Chrysler 200 with no front license plate. That vehicle left the Holiday station right behind the stolen Fusion.

Anyone with information as to the identity and/or whereabouts of the suspect or the vehicle is asked to call the Maplewood Police Department at 651-767-0640 or 911. Tips can be provided anonymously by emailing tips@maplewoodmn.gov.  Another method for providing information is through Crime Stoppers of Minnesota at 1800-222-8477 or online at http://crimestoppersmn.org.