It’s been a month since Jamaica Harvey has been greeted at the door by her 1-year-old French Bulldog, Bruno.
RELATED: ‘We are devastated’: 2 puppies stolen at gunpoint in DC, police looking for 4 men
“Very hurtful, just knowing that even right now it’s been a month and Bruno hasn’t been returned or hasn’t been seen,” Harvey said. “It’s scary.”
It began as just another evening walk on her normal route, but ended with Bruno being taken right out of her arms.
READ MORE: French bulldog Bruno, one of two puppies stolen at gunpoint in DC, remains missing
Four people held a gun up to Jamaica Harvey and her boyfriend on the evening of April 13 and demanded their dog, Bruno.
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Now, as the investigation heads into month number 2, Jamaica tells 7News she’s trying to focus on things she can control, like spreading the word.
“We’ve passed out flyers in all the areas that tips have come in,” she said. “I’ve just been trying to stay positive through this and keeping up with Twitter. I have a Facebook for him. I have an Instagram for him.”
And raising awareness in her neighborhood.
“I have great neighbors and they’ve upped their security,” Harvey said. “We’ve upped our security as far as looking out for each other and looking out as neighbors, and I’m happy to have that.”
Harvey even sought extra help to look into things, but so far, nothing.
“We’ve hired our PI, a private investigator, and that came to a dead end as well,” she said. “We just — unfortunately at this point, it’s just sad.”
7News On Your Side reached out to MPD to ask for an update on their search efforts, but they declined to comment, citing an open investigation.
MORE: 4 adults connected to DC dognapping case released hours after police announce arrests
So for now, the search continues. Harvey is now offering a $6,000 reward, and holds out hope that whomever has Bruno will do the right thing.
“If you do have Bruno, I can say the best thing to do is just give him back local, drop him off at a local vet, drop him off at a local police department or fire department, whatever it may be, and just help me get him back.”
MPD’s investigation
Just hours after D.C. Police announced the arrests of four adults and three teens in the theft of two dogs and a number of other related crimes, 7News learned that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has decided not to file any charges. The four adults were released after a court appearance. No explanation was offered.
It’s possible some charge, or charges, could be brought later, 7News D.C. Bureau Chief Sam Ford said. The teens are being prosecuted separately by the D.C. attorney general’s office.
One of the teens, a 15-year-old from Lanham, Maryland, was also charged for three carjackings.
When 7News’ reached out with an interview request for this story, this was MPD’s response:
“That specific incident remains under investigation. Therefore, we respectfully decline to participate in an interview.”
Also taken at gunpoint that night was an Australian Shepherd puppy named Pablo. The dog’s owner, Abby Sevcik, told 7News Pablo is healthy and home. She thanked the police department for locating her dog, and now Harvey is waiting on her turn.
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MORE: DC police make arrests after reuniting couple with puppy stolen at gunpoint
Harvey told Kuzminski that MPD has been helpful and cooperative in her eyes, maintaining an open dialogue of communication as the search continues. She says she hopes that one of the people arrested that night will have information as to Bruno’s whereabouts.
Dog walking safety tips
While MPD declined 7News’ interview request, it did provide some safety tips for people walking their dogs in the city. They sent the following safety information in an email to 7News:
“Robberies can occur at any time of day. A safety tip when travelling around the city at night is to try to stay in well-lit areas as much as possible. Self-defense measures are most effective when applied as preventive steps—avoiding the crime in the first place. These measures include running away, hiding, screaming, and raising an alarm—remember, more people will respond to someone yelling ‘Fire’ than they will to ‘Help!’ These can be helpful when someone may be trying to rob or assault you. An individual can purchase a stun gun or mace if they choose for self-defense; however, it is not an official recommendation from the department. It is legal to possess self-defense sprays in the District of Columbia, such as mace or pepper spray. If you are a victim of a robbery, call 911 immediately. If someone tries to rob you, don’t resist; give up your property—don’t give up your life.”
According to Tom Sharp, president and CEO of the American Kennel Club’s Reunite program, thefts often involve high-value dogs, for example French bulldogs, and smaller dog breeds such as Chihuahuas or Yorkshire Terriers.
“These types of dogs are easy to grab and run with,” he said.
Tracking your dog with technology can also increase your chances. Harvey told 7News she had Bruno microchipped, but that the company told her that won’t help until Bruno is brought into a vet and the chip gets scanned.
Another potential method of tracking is through your dog’s collar.
Lucy Luneva, a representative for the company Fi Collars, said her company donated a tracking collar to Sevcik for her dog, Pablo, following the dognapping.
The American Kennel Club details more ways you can help keep your dog safe in an article you can find here.