A Maryland police department arrested a man suspected of stealing a cat and then using the animal as an accessory during a bank robbery attempt on Monday morning in Beltsville. The Prince George's county police department confirmed the arrest and said the cat was returned after the suspect was taken into custody. No injuries were reported, and the investigation is ongoing.
Kitten stolen from adoption habitat
The incident began when the suspect stole three-and-a-half-month-old tuxedo kitten Magnolia from her adoption habitat at a Pet Supplies Plus store in Beltsville. According to a Facebook post from the Beltsville Community Cats rescue shelter, the suspect then took Magnolia across the parking lot to a PNC bank branch. He asked the bank manager to hold the kitten while he wrote a note demanding cash from a teller. The robbery attempt was unsuccessful, and the suspect was arrested. Magnolia was found safe in the bank manager's office, where the two had bonded during the ordeal.
Suspect's prior visits
Pet Supplies Plus employees told NBC affiliate WRC that the suspect had visited the store daily for about two weeks, focusing on Magnolia each time. On Monday, he used a key to open the cat adoption area and took the kitten. Store manager Aaron Kurkowski said the suspect entered when no staff were nearby and ran out with the kitten. Stephanie Stullich of Beltsville Community Cats received a call from an employee and rushed to the store, where she saw police cars and initially thought it was a large response for a stolen cat. She then learned the police were at the bank, confirming a cat was inside.
Magnolia's adoption status
Two days before the catnapping, Beltsville Community Cats had posted about Magnolia on Facebook, encouraging adoption. As of Monday, she was still waiting to be adopted. The organization invited the public to apply to adopt Magnolia by emailing rescue@beltsvillecats.net. The shelter joked that Magnolia's brief life of crime is behind her, except for stealing hearts, treats, toys, and cuddles in her forever home.
