Police: ‘Puppy-napper’ arrested; puggle still missing

Police arrested a teenager accused of stealing a puggle puppy Friday but officials said the pet is still missing four days later.

Madison police said a witness reported a woman was at Pets R Us Rescue on South Gammon Road at 4 p.m. Friday when she put a puggle chi puppy in her sweatshirt pocket and walked out of the building.

The Pets R’ Us owner told police someone had already adopted the puppy, Apricot, but hadn’t picked her up before she went missing.

Police said officers arrested 18-year-old Madeline E. Radtke, of Madison, based on a tip and by using Facebook. She was charged with theft.

Radtke was found and arrested Monday, but Apricot was not with her, according to the report. She told police she gave the dog away. Apricot is believed to be in a west Madison apartment.

Police said the puppy was valued at $350.

Police asked anyone with information that could help locate Apricot to call Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014.