Armed Northeast Washington apartment burglary leaves three French bulldog puppies missing as police seek public tips

What police say happened

An armed burglary reported in Northeast Washington has left three French bulldog puppies missing, after multiple suspects forced their way into an apartment and stole the dogs. The incident was reported at about 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in the 1500 block of Benning Road NE.

Investigators say the intruders entered the apartment by force, displayed firearms, and demanded property from the people inside. The suspects left the apartment with three puppies and fled before police arrived.

Timeline and investigative details

• Dec. 14, 2025: Officers responded to a burglary call in the Fifth District at approximately 7:00 p.m. The initial report described an armed intrusion and the theft of three puppies.

• Dec. 16, 2025: Police issued a public request for assistance locating the puppies and identifying or locating those responsible, providing a case control number (CCN 25188041).

Police released photos of the stolen puppies as part of the effort to generate tips and establish proof of identity if the animals are offered for sale or transferred. In public safety alerts, investigators have urged anyone with information about the puppies’ whereabouts or the burglary to contact police and to avoid taking direct action.

Why stolen pets are difficult to recover

Recovering stolen companion animals can be time-sensitive. Animals may be quickly moved across neighborhoods or out of the region, and ownership can be hard to establish without documentation. Police typically advise owners to preserve any records that can confirm identity, including veterinary paperwork, distinctive markings in photographs, and any microchip registration information.

Police have asked residents who recognize the animals or have information about the burglary to report it directly to law enforcement rather than attempting to intervene.

Reward and public reporting channels

Authorities have said a reward of up to $10,000 is available for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for a violent crime committed in the District. Police have requested that tips be routed through official channels, including phone and text-based tip reporting.

The investigation remains open, with the focus on locating the puppies, identifying the perpetrators, and determining whether the burglary was targeted, opportunistic, or connected to any broader pattern of theft offenses.