A shocking incident occurred in Nassau County when a bandit forcefully took a dog from a 15-year-old girl during a late-night robbery. The suspect, Keame Rowser, 29, had just been released on an unrelated charge earlier that day, according to authorities.
The teenage girl was walking her brown American Bully dog on Colonial Road near Grenada Avenue in Roosevelt around 10:45 p.m. when Rowser, who was sitting in a Mercedes, began questioning her about the pet. As the girl became frightened and called her father for help, Rowser grabbed the dog’s leash and attempted to pull it away from her. Despite her efforts to resist, Rowser managed to overpower her and detach the leash from the dog’s collar.
Rowser then fled into his nearby residence with the dog over his shoulders, closing the door behind him. However, when he emerged again, law enforcement officers had surrounded the home and promptly arrested him. He was charged with third-degree robbery and endangering the welfare of a child.
Fortunately, the dog was safely returned to the victim, and no injuries were reported in the incident. Notably, a detective recognized Rowser from a previous arrest just the day before the dog-napping incident. Records indicate that he had been arrested on Monday for third-degree assault related to an incident on Oct. 28 and was released on his own recognizance on Wednesday.
During his arraignment for the dog theft, Rowser was once again released with non-monetary conditions, with a judge ordering him to stay away from the teenage victim. He is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 27 for further proceedings.
This disturbing event serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and taking precautions while out in public, especially during late hours. Authorities urge residents to report any suspicious activity and to prioritize their safety and the well-being of their pets at all times.
