Lousiana woman steals truck, locks dog inside and walks away leaving the animal to die from heat exhaustion
A Louisiana woman has admitted to stealing a truck by force and then locking a dog that was in the vehicle inside before throwing away the keys, resulting in the animal's death.
The 30-year-old, Leslie Aguillard, was arrested in connection to the theft of a truck with a dog inside that was stolen from the corner of Antioch and Tigerbend in Baton Rouge on Sunday, July 7, according to a release by the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office.
EBRSO deputies responded to the scene that morning and were told by witnesses that the truck owner, David Mohr, had left the vehicle running and gone into a donut store when Aguillard jumped into the vehicle and started to pull away. The witness said Mohr attempted to stop her, but she managed to drive away.
Heavy reported that the 30-year-old hit Mohr with the door of the truck during a brief struggle and dragged him about 20 feet, leaving him with two fractured hips as well as other minor injuries.
Authorities subsequently launched a search for the truck, a 2009 black Toyota Tacoma, with a hard bed cover, a sticker shaped like a bone that reads "Camp Bow Wow" and a Louisiana license plate number.
There was also concern over Roleaux, Mohr's chocolate-colored Labrador/Weimaraner mix that he had left inside the truck before he went out to go shopping.
On Monday, July 8, deputies received a tip from a witness of the original incident who reported that they saw the stolen truck in the 4000 block of South Sherwood Forest and Aguillard walking down the same road.
When officers located and arrested the 30-year-old, she led them to the truck. Unfortunately, Roleaux was found dead inside, with officers determining that he had died from heat exhaustion.
Mohr fought back tears as he paid tribute to his dog. "He was the man," he said. "He was my king. I had five wonderful years with Roleaux. He would greet me every day with the same enthusiasm as if I were gone for six weeks or if I had just been gone for a day."
Speaking about the case, EBRSO Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said, "I’m heartbroken for Roleaux's family at this tragic outcome. I am grateful, however, to the community for stepping up and helping us locate this suspect. I’m proud of our detectives for their diligent work in this case. Praying for the victim's speedy recovery and for healing for their entire family."
Aguillar has been charged with theft of a vehicle, theft of an animal, attempted second-degree murder, cruelty to an animal, and theft in connection to the incident. She was also reportedly wanted on a bench warrant on charges of theft under $1,000, entry/remaining after being forbidden and possession of drug paraphernalia.