A 33-year-old San Diego man was arrested Monday morning after forcefully snatching a poodle from a woman during a walk in San Mateo, leading to a brief pursuit on Highway 101, authorities said.
The suspect, David Frankhauser, was taken into custody on suspicion of second-degree robbery, according to the San Mateo Police Department. The incident occurred around 9:05 a.m. near Hayward Avenue and Palm Avenue.
Police said the victim was walking her daughter’s dog when a masked man approached from behind, grabbed the leashed poodle, and managed to unclip the leash from its collar. The sudden force nearly caused the woman to fall. The suspect then fled with the dog in a waiting vehicle.
Officers quickly located the vehicle in traffic and stopped it on Highway 101 just north of Marsh Road. Based on evidence gathered at the scene and during the stop, officers arrested Frankhauser and safely returned the poodle to its family.
San Mateo police reminded residents to immediately report crimes and suspicious behavior to help ensure fast response and community safety.
