A FedEx driver accused of taking a family's 3-year-old French bulldog is facing charges after the dog died, presumably after being left inside a hot FedEx delivery truck.
On July 7, deputies with the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a stolen French bulldog in the area of U.S. Highway 421.
Other WRAL Top Stories
Investigators learned that, days earlier, a FedEx driver delivering packages in the area stole the dog, named Tori.
The dog's owner said on Facebook the door to her home was mistakenly left open and Tori escaped.
"He did not take my dog off the property -- my dog got loose then was taken," Tori's owner explained to WRAL News.
The family posted a flier on social media offering a reward if their dog was found.
Witnesses later told the owner her dog was picked up by someone at the corner of Hillcrest Drive and U.S. 421 in Lilliington.
According to investigators, a FedEx delivery driver identified as Kimani Joehon Marshall, 44, of Fayetteville, was charged with larceny of a dog, possession of stolen property and cruelty to animals.
Investigators believe Tori died due to heat related issues as she traveled inside the FedEx truck on a day when temperatures were in the 90s.
The dog's remains were recovered on July 10 along Holy Mission Lane in Lillington.
Marshall surrendered himself to deputies Monday, weeks after the incident. After a first court appearance on Wednesday, he bonded out of the Harnett County Detention Center.
Tori's owner declined WRAL News' request for an interview.
FedEx told WRAL News Marshall is no longer employed with the company. A spokesperson provided the following statement:
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the family on the loss of their beloved pet. We understand the importance of people’s pets in their lives and deeply regret the pain that this has caused. The driver is no longer providing service on behalf of FedEx.”
Tori was a champion dog, worth over $5,000, according to an arrest warrant.
Tom Sharp, the president and CEO of microchip company AKC Reunite, told WRAL News the French bulldog is the most stolen breed in recent years.
"They are adorable, they are friendly, they are medium-sized ... you can pick them up and run away with them," he said. "They are expensive, people who want one may steal it or buy it on the black market."
Sharp called Tori's death a "terrible situation" that the dog was stolen then left in the heat.
"It sounds like the theft was a crime of opportunity ... that the guy wasn't planning but saw the dog," he said. "I'm imagining he didn't have water in the truck for dog ... cars can get hot so quickly."