SUMMERFIELD, Fla. — Three people were arrested after Marion County deputies say they stole a puppy from a man in a Walmart parking lot Tuesday evening—and then beat him and ran over his legs while trying to flee.
Deputies arrested Justin Karrels, 42, Jeannie Hayden, 56, and Tiffany Stegall, 28, on charges of robbery and aggravated battery after deputies say they stole the puppy in the parking lot at 17691 South US 441 in Summerfield, arrest records say.
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The victim had advertised his German shepherd puppies for sale on social media when the trio contacted him about purchasing one of the puppies, deputies said.
The victim and the trio agreed to meet in the Walmart parking to conduct the transaction in a public place, deputies said, but when the victim got there, Karrels and Stegall took the puppy from him without paying and attempted to leave, according to deputies.
When the victim tried to stop them, Karrels hit him, knocking him to the ground, the arrest report says.
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Hayden then drove over the victim’s legs while trying to leave the parking lot, deputies said.
Bystanders called deputies immediately, and the trio was apprehended at the scene, according to the arrest report.
Deputies returned the puppy to its owner.
The trio is currently being held in the Marion County Jail.