A French bulldog named Rocky is back home with his family after being stolen from a West Valley home. The theft occurred on April 30, when Rocky, along with a Chihuahua, managed to escape from their backyard kennels and run into the street.
A witness saw the two dogs running near 177th Avenue and El Cidro Drive and tried to help them by offering water. However, when the witness returned to his car, a black Toyota Corolla pulled up, and the driver quickly picked up Rocky and sped off. The Chihuahua ran away but was later found.
Thanks to the witness, who got the Corolla’s license plate number, Goodyear police were able to trace the vehicle back to 35-year-old Alejandro Leyva. After tracking Leyva’s vehicle on May 6, authorities pulled him over and found Rocky at his home in Tolleson.
Leyva initially told police he had been doing food delivery with his mother and saw the dogs in the road. He claimed that he didn’t want the dogs to get hit by a car, so he picked up Rocky and left. Although Leyva attempted to pick up the Chihuahua, it ran off. He later changed his story multiple times regarding whether he posted photos of the dog on social media.
Leyva was arrested and booked on one count of theft after it was determined that he had intentionally taken the dog without attempting to find its owners.
Rocky, wearing a Las Vegas Raiders jersey, was joyfully reunited with his family on May 11. His owner, Angelique, thanked Goodyear Police for their help in bringing her dog home. “We know pets are more than animals — they’re family. And today, we’re celebrating a happy reunion,” the police department posted on Facebook.
Leyva, who has a lengthy criminal history, was previously charged with theft, burglary, and unlawful flight from law enforcement.
