SAN DIEGO — The world’s fastest French Bulldog, and his Boston Terrier sister, were dognapped in the Mid-City area of San Diego.
Frenchie “Winston Bolt” and Boston Terrier “Xena” were dognapped on December 6 in an auto-theft that happened outside Crunch Fitness in the El Cerrito neighborhood, according to Braden Frederick, owner of the pups.
Frederick posted an emotional video on his Instagram stories on December 12 with both pups back in his possession.
A witness said she saw the suspect previously described on Winston Bolt's Instagram walking across a street near Santa Fe Train Depot in Downtown San Diego around 2:30 p.m. Monday.
She called San Diego police and contacted a mutual friend of the dog owner, Braden Frederick, while she kept a close eye on the man, and once officers arrived on the scene, they detained the suspect.
"She elaboratly tricked him to handing her the dogs. It was crazy. She tricked him and said 'hey, let me hold your dogs and she bolted and yelled 'help, help'! I caught up with her," said Frederick.
Frederick got his dogs back, but what happened next was unexpected. Thirty minutes later, CBS 8 viewer, Jane, randomly recognized the thief while she was driving. She followed him for several blocks thinking he would lead her to the stolen car and dogs without knowing the dogs were found just minutes ago.
"I had been following all his posts on social media. I decided to be a private investigator on my own. I felt for his story and felt a need to help him find his animals even though I've never met him," said Jane.
A Watch Commander with SDPD confirmed a man related to the crime was in custody, and the suspect provided information about where the dogs were and where the stolen car was located.
Frederick told CBS 8 he left his grey 2014 Toyota Camry sedan running to ensure the dogs were air-conditioned while he used the restroom inside the gym.
When Frederick returned to the parking lot, his car was gone, he said.
French Bulldog “Winston Bolt” holds the worldwide title of the fastest French Bulldog in history.
“At Sweetwater Lane County Park, Winston has become the fastest FRENCH BULLDOG in history. After several attempts, running without rivals, only chasing prey, he reached the speed of 27 mph,” Official World Records stated.
Frederick has since received several tips detailing dog sightings at San Diego’s Waterfront Park and near 12th and Imperial Transit Center in Downtown San Diego.
Frederick launched a GoFundMe to hire a private investigator to help locate his dogs.
“If I find my dogs soon before hiring the private investigator, I will refund you for the GoFundMe donations. I appreciate everyone’s support tremendously,” Frederick said.
Frederick described Winston as a brindle-colored dog with grey hair on his mouth and long legs.
Xena was described as a black and white Boston Terrier with one blue eye and one brown eye.
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