Cops name suspect in dog snatching of $1,800 puppy

By Fran Jeffries

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Dunwoody police said Monday they are seeking a man in connection with the snatching of an expensive Maltese puppy from a pet store in the city.

Enlarge photo

Channel 2 Action News The maltese puppy was returned to the Petland store on Ashford Dunwoody Road.

Dunwoody Police Department Romyo M. Cassadine, suspect in Petland puppy snatching

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Romyo Mays Cassadine, 25, is suspected of stealing the puppy, valued at $1,800, from Petland on Ashford Dunwoody Road on Jan. 22, according to police.

Cassadine asked to hold the 2-pound purebred puppy, police said. When a worker turned away, the man allegedly ran out of the store and into a waiting car. In his rush, the suspect dropped his cell phone, which police said helped lead them to Cassadine.

Another man returned the puppy unharmed Saturday. Petland store manager Kimberly Collins said the man came to the store with the dog in a backpack and claimed someone had dropped it off at his house.

"We got her back on Saturday," said Collins. "She was fine. We're very happy."

In a public Facebook posting, Cassadine has denied his involvement in the incident.

"In spite of recent events and rumors, I would like to clarify that I had NO personal involvement in any theft," he wrote. "I ... have convinced those persons who were at fault to return the dog, in efforts to clear myself and prevent any further slander/discredit of my name."

Cassadine has several tattoos, police said. The name “Romyo” is tattooed on his abdomen, and the name “Chris” is on his chest. He has a tattoo of a cross on his right shoulder and theater masks on his left shoulder.

Police asked anyone with information on the case to contact Detective Andrew Thompson of the Dunwoody Police Department at 678-382-6921 or andrew.thompson@dunwoodyga.gov.