TEXARKANA, Texas - A man accused of stealing an unusual lilac tri merle English bulldog from a residence in Wake Village, Texas, has been charged in Bowie County with felony theft.
Leroydrick Rashad Dickerson, 31, allegedly snatched the valuable pet, a male named Banthor, from a house in the 600 block of Arizona Street in mid-December, according to a probable cause affidavit. The dog's owners suspected Dickerson because he had been seen driving "slowly around the neighborhood" when the dog vanished.
Dickerson allegedly denied knowing where the dog was, though for a few days he claimed he had seen the canine and that it had jumped up on him and scratched his truck. A few days later someone contacted the owners with information about Banthor.
They showed text messages and photos that allegedly showed Dickerson had the animal and was selling it. The owners collected all the information and brought it to Wake Village police.
In an interview with Investigator Todd Aultman, Dickerson reportedly denied any involvement in Banthor's disappearance until confronted with the digital evidence.
Dickerson allegedly "lowered his head and nodded in agreement" when viewing the evidence. Aultman said Banthor was eventually reunited with his owner.
Dickerson is charged with theft of service between $2,500 and $30,000. He is free on a personal recognizance bond. If convicted, he faces six months to two years in a state jail.
"Lilac tri merle" refers to the breed's rare mottled coloration. Websites offering lilac tri merle English bulldogs for sale list prices up to $50,000 per puppy.