UPDATED: Alleged South Pasadena puppy thief arrested, dog returned

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SOUTH PASADENA — Police Sunday arrested a man who made headlines last week after he was caught on video allegedly snatching a puppy from a South Pasadena pet shop, authorities said.
Jesus Lopez Medina, 53, of Los Angeles was arrested as he tried to return to the pilfered “puggle” puppy to Pet’s Delight, 725 Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena police officials said.
“He said his minister at his church recognized him, and told him the right thing to do was to return the dog,” according to Lt. Robert Bartle.
The man’s picture, taken from a surveillance camera at the pet store, had been widely distributed through the media.
Police arrested the man when he showed up at the store to return the dog, which was valued at more than $1,000, he said.
Medina was booked on suspicion of grand theft, with additional charges such as commercial burglary and conspiracy possibly pending, Bartle said.
According to county booking records, Medina was being held in lieu of $20,000 bail at the Pasadena Police Department’s jail pending his initial court appearance.
SURVEILLANCE PHOTO courtesy of the South Pasadena Police Department
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