Beltsville — A 3-month-old tuxedo kitten was taken from a pet store and carried into a nearby bank moments before an alleged robbery attempt, Prince George's County police and a local cat rescue said Monday.
What happened
Authorities say the suspect entered Pet Supplies Plus on Baltimore Avenue, grabbed the kitten from the adoption area and ran to a PNC Bank in the same shopping center. Video obtained by local media shows the man wearing a light-colored T-shirt and a black beanie carrying the black-and-white kitten as he entered the bank, according to police and Beltsville Community Cats rescue.
"I immediately saw all of these police cars, and I thought, 'Wow, that's
Inside the bank, investigators say the man asked an employee to hold the animal and then presented a note demanding cash to a teller. No injuries were reported. Prince George's County police arrested a suspect in connection with the incident, and the kitten, named Magnolia, was recovered unharmed.
Local impact and where the kitten is now
Beltsville Community Cats, the rescue group that had been overseeing Magnolia's care, posted about the episode on Facebook, noting the kitten’s unexpected role in the crime and that she remains available for adoption. The group described her as a young, affectionate animal and said she is safe following the arrest.
- Location: Baltimore Avenue shopping center, Beltsville.
- Businesses involved: Pet Supplies Plus (adoption area) and PNC Bank.
- Outcome: Suspect arrested by Prince George's County police; kitten recovered unharmed.
Timeline
| Time (approx.) | Event |
|---|---|
| About 10:30 a.m. | Pet store employees report the kitten missing to rescue and authorities. |
| Shortly after | Security video shows suspect taking kitten and entering PNC Bank. |
| Following the incident | Prince George's County police arrest a suspect; kitten recovered. |
Police have not released the suspect's name or additional charges as of the latest update. The investigation remains active, and authorities have not suggested the kitten played any role beyond being used by the suspect during the crime.
Residents with information about the incident are asked to contact Prince George's County police. Those interested in adopting Magnolia should reach out to Beltsville Community Cats for current adoption procedures and availability.
This article will be updated as police release further details.
