A Maryland man is accused of snatching a kitten from a pet store and using her as a distraction during a botched bank robbery attempt, according to police and a local animal rescue group.
Surveillance footage reportedly captured the suspect entering a pet supply store at a shopping center in Beltsville on Monday morning. Minutes later, he was seen walking out with a 3-month-old black-and-white tuxedo kitten named Magnolia cradled in his arms.
According to Beltsville Community Cats, the rescue organization that had placed the kitten at the store, the man had allegedly been watching Magnolia for several weeks before making his move. Investigators say he waited until store employees were distracted, grabbed a key, took the kitten, and fled toward a nearby bank branch.
Once inside the bank, he reportedly handed Magnolia to a teller and asked them to hold her — before passing over a note demanding cash.
The plan failed. Prince George’s County Police confirmed a man was taken into custody at the bank, and no money was taken. Magnolia was found unharmed in a bank manager’s office shortly after.
A representative from Beltsville Community Cats said the incident could have ended far worse, noting the kitten could have been injured while being carried through a busy parking lot. The rescue group also suggested the suspect may have been experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the incident.
Magnolia is now back with Beltsville Community Cats and is being prepared for adoption. Her caretaker described her as playful and affectionate, joking that the only thing she’s “guilty of” is winning people over.
The rescue organization said they hope the unusual case draws attention to the larger number of cats and kittens across Maryland currently waiting to be adopted, adding that shelters and rescue groups statewide continue to face high demand for adopters.
Those interested in adopting through Beltsville Community Cats can reach the organization via email for more information on available animals.