Man, woman allegedly steal puppy from animal shelter

MOSES LAKE — A man and woman allegedly stole a puppy from an animal shelter in Moses Lake.

Morgan Curtiss, 49, of Moses Lake, and Holly Minerd, 24, also of Moses Lake, reportedly walked into the Grant County Animal Outreach Wednesday. Video surveillance shared by the GCAO on their Facebook page shows Curtiss sitting down with a Terrier mix named “Pinkles.” While Minerd was allegedly distracting staff, Curtiss can be seen placing the dog under his coat, zipping up his coat and leaving the shelter.

The two suspects were contacted about an hour and a half later at Minerd’s residence on West Virginia Street and arrested. Both Curtiss and Minerd will be charged with third-degree theft, according to Moses Lake Police Department Capt. Dave Sands. The dog was safely recovered and returned to the animal shelter. During the investigation, Curtiss was allegedly found to be in possession of a pistol.

The pistol was checked to see if it was stolen and police discovered it was registered in the name of a woman. The woman was contacted and discovered the gun was missing from her safe. Curtiss reportedly told police he bought the pistol from a business a week ago. The MLPD took the gun for safekeeping. The pistol is going to be returned to the registered owner, according to police records.