Kitten Kidnapping Incident in Maryland
Not every accomplice gets to weigh in, it seems.
A man in Maryland is accused of stealing a three-month-old kitten from a pet store and then promptly heading to a nearby bank. According to reports, he requested that a bank employee hold the kitten briefly before handing a teller a note demanding money.
The little kitten, named Magnolia, was found safe after police arrested the suspect.
The Beltsville Community Cats group later humorously noted on social media that Magnolia’s brief foray into a “criminal lifestyle” had come to an end.
This playful three-month-old, described as a “true purring machine,” is still on the lookout for a forever home following the unusual incident of an attempted bank robbery.
Security footage shows a man in a light-colored T-shirt and a black beanie entering Pet Supply Plus. He quickly emerged with Magnolia, who has a distinctive black and white tuxedo coat. Witnesses noted that he dashed straight to a PNC Bank located in the same shopping center.
Stephanie Starich, affiliated with Beltsville Community Cats Rescue, received a frantic call around 10:30 a.m. from a pet store employee stating that Magnolia had been taken from the adoption area.
“At first, I noticed all the police cars and thought, ‘Wow, that’s quite a response for a stolen cat,’” Starich recounted. “But then it hit me—they were all heading to the bank.”
Starich later learned that the suspect had entered the bank with Magnolia and asked an employee if he could keep the kitten. He then allegedly handed over a note seeking cash.
Police later confirmed that they apprehended the man inside the bank.
Aaron Krukowski, a manager at Pet Supply Plus, mentioned that the suspect had been a regular visitor at the store for weeks, always heading straight for Magnolia.
“He just went right to her and drove off,” Krukowski stated.
After the incident, rescuers shared on social media that Magnolia had been safely returned, having formed a bond with the bank manager during the ordeal.
“The robbery attempt failed, the suspect has been arrested, and Magnolia is safe,” they announced.
Magnolia is now available for adoption. The rescue organization describes her as affectionate and playful, with a love for cuddles, adventures, and following her friends. Given her sociable and energetic nature, they suggest that she’d thrive with another playful young cat.
“She’s just looking for some law-abiding citizens who can give her a lot of love,” Starich shared.
