Chico Police Recover Stolen Frenchie Puppy, Suspect Reportedly Faces Grand Theft Charges
CHICO, CA — On the morning of April 4, 2026, Chico Police officers received a report regarding the theft of a frenchie puppy at the Tesla charging stations on E. 20th St. The animal, a three-month-old male Merle French Bulldog named Bandz, was taken from a parking lot while the owner was parked nearby. The owner stated the dog was purchased for $7,500 and indicated the animal had been intentionally targeted. Surveillance footage from the area showed two individuals placing the dog into a vehicle before departing, though the video quality prevented immediate identification.
Chico Police detectives assumed control of the investigation on April 5. By the afternoon of April 7, investigators identified and located the vehicle involved in the incident near Notre Dame and Skyway. Although the puppy was not inside the vehicle at that time, detectives coordinated with the suspect for the animal’s surrender later that evening. The dog was returned to the police department and reunited with its owner. While no arrests were made at the scene, felony grand theft charges are being forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for review.
Photo(s) courtesy of Chico Police Department
