THE NYPD IS asking for the public’s help identifying this person who they say is sought for questioning in relation to the theft of a dog while his owner was sleeping on the subway aboard a D train in the vicinity of Bainbridge Avenue and East 206th Street in Norwood on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025 at around 6 a.m. Photo courtesy of the NYPD

The owner of a dog that was stolen while he slept aboard the D train in Norwood has been reunited with his pet, police said Thursday. The NYPD had previously been asking for the public’s help identifying the person seen in the attached photos and video who they said was sought for questioning in relation to the theft of the dog.

 

Police said that on Sunday, Aug. 10, at around 6 a.m., while riding the northbound “D” train in the vicinity of Bainbridge Avenue and East 206th Street, an unidentified person stole a American Bully dog from a sleeping 45-year-old male victim and fled with it in an unknown direction.

The suspect was described as male, has a dark complexion, is around 20–25 years of age, has a slender build, medium length black braids, brown eyes, and a black goatee. They said he was last seen wearing a black faded jacket, a black t-shirt, black shorts, black shoes and a black baseball hat.

 

On Thursday, Aug. 14, police said the dog was dropped off anonymously at the 44th Precinct and was reunited with its owner. “We are happy to announce that Rock has been found and is safe,” police said.

Elsewhere in The Bronx, the NYPD said after cops from the 48th Precinct, which covers Fordham University, Belmont, East Tremont, and West Farms, investigated a disturbing surveillance video and arrested a dog owner for violently assaulting a pet, they also rescued nine malnourished dogs living in unsafe conditions inside an apartment. Read more here.

 

The dog theft took place in the 52nd Precinct. There is no indication that the two incidents are related.

 

In New York City, animal abuse can be reported by calling 311 or 911 for crimes in progress. The NYPD has an Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad (ACIS) that works with the ASPCA to address and prevent animal cruelty. The ASPCA provides crucial support, including forensic evaluations and medical treatment for rescued animals. 

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or on Twitter @NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.