WASHINGTON — Police say a dognapping case has been officially solved. An 18-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the theft of a Cane Corso puppy named "Pepper" from a boat in Southeast, D.C.
Police charged Dante Eley with second-degree theft and destruction of property in the case that left the boat’s owner and the local community searching for the beloved 3-month-old puppy.
According to court documents, the ordeal began on Oct. 11 when officers responded to Potomac Avenue SE after reports of a theft. The boat’s owner explained that he had left Pepper securely locked in the cubby hatch while his boat was docked. Upon returning, he found the hatch pried open, the lock bent beyond repair, and Pepper gone. The Cane Corso was described as a young puppy with distinctive white paws and recently docked ears. Hoping for the dog’s safe return, the owner shared photos of Pepper with police and the media.
Days later, on Oct. 17, a breakthrough came when a witness reported seeing Pepper with Eley near Navy Yard. According to court documents, Eley and a friend then took the dog to a Target at PG Plaza Mall to buy a leash before bringing him to the friend’s home. While there, a family member recognized Pepper from news reports and advised Eley to return the puppy.
Initially, Eley agreed, arranging to meet with the owner on Oct. 17 to return Pepper. However, he later texted his friend, stating he had decided to sell the dog instead, court documents say.
During questioning, Eley waived his Miranda rights and told detectives that he took the puppy because he believed Pepper was being mistreated and in danger. He claimed he kept Pepper at his home for several days to “care for” him, but ultimately took the dog to Kingman Park and left him there. When Eley returned to the park, Pepper was gone.
The investigation eventually led to Eley’s arrest, and he now faces charges related to the theft and damage to the boat.
Pepper was officially reunited with his owner, Edward Matthews, on Oct. 19 after someone who bought the dog off an online ad came forward.
“My son was happy!" Matthews recalled. "When I showed him a picture of the dog, he said, I can’t believe we got him back, I can’t believe we got him back!”