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Two aggravated robberies involving prized French bulldogs saw several search warrants conducted across Elgin and Bastrop County over the weekend, authorities said. Detective Gadiel Alas of the Austin Police Department’s robbery unit detailed the reportedly isolated incidents and the subsequent puppy recovery efforts at a Feb. 7 news conference.
“I think it is a shock to the conscience. Our dogs are our family members, it does way heavily on people,” he said.
In the first case, Elgin resident Raderrick Harvey, 20, initially approached an individual in Austin walking his two dogs around 7 p.m. Feb. 2. He asked about the French bulldogs, Freya and Loki, before producing a handgun and threatening the victim, according to APD.
“Obviously, the victim didn’t want to give over his dogs, and trouble ensued,” Alas said.
Harvey reportedly then shot the victim in the foot, grabbed Freya and drove off.
Unfortunately, according to Alas, the dogs were on a double leash and Loki was dragged underneath the car for a short distance — he remains “in good spirits,” aside from some scrapes and bruises, the victim confirmed.
Officers executed a search warrant in Elgin for the suspect and missing dog Feb. 4, with help from the Elgin Police Department and Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office. Harvey was arrested and officials seized “AK and AR styled pistols,” a revolver and about a quarter ounce of illegal narcotics, reports said. Freya was still outstanding.
According to Alas, shots were fired during the initial search and the suspect sustained an injury to his foot.
Not giving up on the lost pup, three more search warrants were conducted in Bastrop County based on leads developed in the investigation. The departments eventually reached a family member of Harvey who cooperated and willingly released Freya, “very elated to be leaving that place” and returned to their owner.
As of Feb. 9, the suspect is being held in the Bastrop County Jail for aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon, subject to posting a $500,000 bond.
In a separate Feb. 2 incident, Servando Cruz Jr., 19, similarly approached an individual with a French bulldgog, revealed a firearm and fled the scene with the pet in a red Corvette, later revealed to have been stolen, police said.
An APD patrol unit later spotted the vehicle and engaged in a short but ultimately futile pursuit.
“Obviously, it was a Corvette, it was pretty fast,” Alas said.
The team carried out two search warrants Feb. 6 for Cruz, who has ties to Bastrop County, recovering the stolen puppy, a handgun, rifle and the Corvette.
Officers are continuing to follow leads but have yet to find and arrest the suspect, according to Alas.
The department stated that despite similarities the cases do not indicate a trend and are “completely random acts done by individuals,” shutting down speculations of a potential ring.
Although only about seven French bulldog robberies have been reported since 2021 — small in number compared with roughly 1,400 robbery cases in Austin — the emotional and financial toll on pet owners is significant, Alas added.
“Other than being cute,” he said, “French bulldogs from reputable breeders cost about $8,000, while those sold over social media may go for around $3,000.”
The department recommends complying with demands should any residents find themselves in a situation like this.
“I completely understand, I have two little pit bulls myself and I would do anything to keep them from getting hurt — but at the same time you’re not only putting yourself at risk, you’re putting other bystanders at risk,” Alas said.
Anyone with information about Cruz can contact the APD Robbery unit at 512974-5092, or anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program at 512-472-8477. According to APD, a reward of up to $1,000 may be available.
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