This case started on On Monday, June 10, 2014, when 17 pit bulls – two adult females – and 15 puppies – were stolen from a yard in the 7600 block of NW 49th Avenue. The victim told deputies that she left her home around 8 p.m. to eat and at approximately 9:15 p.m. the victims boyfriend noticed the dogs were gone from their pens.
At approximately 3 a.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2014, someone drove by the home where 17 pit bulls were stolen, and fired several shots into the home.
On the day of the shooting detectives received a tip that led them to a home along SE 66th Street in Ocala where Detectives say that Anderson delivered ten (10) of the 17 dogs.
An eyewitness told detectives that Anderson claimed the dogs as his own and wanted to keep the dogs on that property for an undetermined length of time. Detectives say they had enough evidence identifying the dogs as the animals stolen from the home along NW 49th Avenue.
Detectives called the rightful owners, whom then took possession of the ten (10) dogs.
A total of 29 pit bull puppies that have been stolen since May 21, 2014.
The puppies are either being stolen solely for the resale value or possibly to be sold and then trained for dog fighting, authorities said.
The combined estimated value of the 29 stolen pit bull puppies is $15,000.
In all instances of the thefts, victims had left their homes for just a few short hours. This most likely means that the suspect(s) are casing potential targets.
Many times, if they are able to, the suspect(s) will take photos prior to stealing the dogs. If you see anything suspicious, report it right away. Also, take down the license plate number of any suspicious or unfamiliar vehicle(s) in your area.
If you are someone breeding pit bulls for resale, you should be very wary of potential buyers that come to your home after responding to advertisements. Sellers posting puppies for sale on Craigslist should use extra caution.
On May 21, 2014, five pit bull puppies were stolen from inside an Ocala home. The thief is suspected to be someone that had previously shown interest in the puppies.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, they are still searching for the remaining seven (7) dogs stolen by Anderson, but there whereabouts at this time is unknown.
Detectives located Anderson at his home address and he was arrested.
Anderson was booked into the Marion County Jail just before 8 p.m., Monday, June 16, 2014. He was released on $12,000 bond just a few hours after being arrested.
Anderson has previously been arrested for Grand Larceny, Possession of Marijuana (multiple) and Violation of Probation.
This investigation is ongoing. Detectives are still investigating the shooting as well as the other pit bull thefts and they are not certain if the other crimes are in any way connected.
Anyone with information can call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 732-9111 or Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, text a tip to 274637 using keyword 368-STOP, or visit www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.