A Maryland man was arrested after allegedly stealing a 3-month-old kitten from a pet store and attempting to use her as a prop in a bank robbery. The kitten, named Magnolia, was found unharmed after police took the suspect into custody.
The incident began when the suspect entered Pet Supplies Plus on Baltimore Avenue, grabbed the black-and-white tuxedo kitten from the adoption area, and ran out of the store. Witnesses reported that he then ran directly to the nearby PNC Bank in the same shopping center.
According to eyewitnesses, the suspect walked into the bank holding Magnolia and asked an employee to hold the animal moments before handing a teller a note demanding cash. However, the robbery was unsuccessful, and police were able to take the suspect into custody.
Magnolia was described as a "true purr machine" and is still looking for a forever home. The kitten's brief "life of crime" appears to be over, and she is now safe and sound. A local cat rescue organization, which helped care for Magnolia, joked that her life of crime was over.
The suspect had visited the pet store nearly every day for the past couple of weeks and would routinely head straight for Magnolia. The pet store manager reported that the suspect seemed to have a particular interest in the kitten.
Magnolia is described as affectionate and playful, and loves cuddles, adventures, and following her people around. The rescue organization recommends that she be adopted into a home with another young, playful cat or alongside one of its other cats.
Magnolia bonded with the bank manager during the ordeal and was recovered safely after the rescue. She remains available for adoption, and those interested in adopting her are encouraged to consider her needs and provide a suitable home.
