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Second man charged in theft of Durham officer's puppy

As police continue looking for a Durham officer's stolen puppy in need of medication, authorities on Sunday arrested a second man in the break-in of the officer's home last week.

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Jorge Benitez
DURHAM, N.C. — As police continue looking for a Durham officer's stolen puppy, authorities on Sunday arrested a second man in last week's break-in of the officer's home.

Jorge Flores Benitez, 19, of Wendell faces charges of breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering and larceny of a dog in the April 29 case, police said.

Christopher Reina, 18, of Broad Street, was arrested Thursday on similar charges, as well as charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of stolen goods.

Police said Reina told investigators that the dog was given to a family in the parking lot of Beauty World, at 1418 Avondale Drive.

The puppy has been without its prescribed medication, and investigators are asking anyone with information on its whereabouts to call 919-402-3809.

A $350 reward is being offered for its return, and police said the family with the animal will not be in trouble.

Several other items, including a police uniform and stun gun, were also stolen from the officer's home – investigators have not said where the break-in occurred.

Most of the items have since been recovered, but a few uniform shirts are still missing.

Police say all Durham police employees carry city-issued photo IDs and that anyone unsure about an officer's identity can ask to see his or her photo ID or call police to verify the officer's identity.

Benitez was also charged with burglary in connection with a March 26 burglary on Glengary Court in Durham, police said Sunday.

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