A dog that was missing after the vehicle she was in was stolen in Middletown over the weekend has been found safe, according to the family.
Middletown police said Luna, a gray pit bull mix wearing a pink & white collar, disappeared after she was seen in the area of Broad and Church streets in Middletown on Saturday night.
The family that Luna belongs to said Luna has been found, she is safe and back with the family. She was found in a garage in Middletown, around half a mile from the area of Broad and Church streets.
Police said Luna's owners found her and she jumped right into their car.
Get Boston local news, weather forecasts, lifestyle and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC Boston’s newsletters.
That's where police said a vehicle was stolen and driven north onto Ballfall Road.
According to police, the alleged thief failed to slow down when pursued but was eventually apprehended when OnStar was able to remotely stop the vehicle after it was reported stolen.
U.S. & World
The man operating the vehicle was arrested after he crossed the double yellow line multiple times, recklessly passed a number of vehicles at a high rate of speed, and ran red lights while evading officers, police said. The arrest was made after the suspect attempted to escape on foot, according to police.
Middletown police said that when the vehicle was secured, the victim’s dog was no longer in the vehicle.
Upon questioning the suspect, police said he told officers that he left the dog in the road moments after stealing the vehicle. Middletown police said that based on the suspect's answers, they believed Luna was let out in the area of South Main Street and Pameacha Avenue.
The suspect was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, interfering with an officer, engaging police in a pursuit, reckless driving and cruelty to animals.
CT Dog Gone Recovery, a division of Dog Star Rescue, also helped in the search.
An administrator from the dog recovery group said Luna is an emotional support animal for the child of the person whose car was stolen.
