‘My heart sank’ after car with beloved dog inside was stolen in Centerville, woman says

A woman and her 7-year-old beagle, Lucy, had a special Valentine’s Day reunion, but police are still looking for the two women who stole the car with the dog inside from a Centerville gas station.

RELATED: Car with dog inside stolen from Centerville BP gas station

It happened just after 1:40 a.m. Thursday at the BP on Wilmington Pike.

Samantha Lawson left her car running when she stopped at the convenience store to pick up a couple of items before trying to surprise her boyfriend who was working at night.

“Got two drinks, come back outside my car was gone. I literally went, walked out and my heart sank,” she said.

One a day meant to celebrate love, Lawson was devastated to find her beloved beagle was gone along with her dark green Toyota Corolla.

“It was absolutely heartbreaking, my baby was in the car and that’s all I could think about was Lucy,” she said.

While police were on the case, Lawson was told to wait at home, where she was hoping someone would find her furry family member safe.

“There’s so many scenarios that ran through my head that night, you know, waiting. They could have taken her to Dayton, they could have thrown her out the window.”

Later that morning, someone who found the car called 911, and Lucy could be heard howling in the call: “There’s a car that’s stopped in the middle of the street. There’s no lights on and it’s just in the middle of the street and there’s a beagle standing right next to the car.”

Police released photos of the women they believe stole the Toyota. It’s unknown whether they knew Lucy was inside.

“It’s unfortunate that, you know, people have to do that sort of thing ... I work really hard for what I have,” Lawson said.

It took a day for Lucy to feel herself again. Now, Lawson said she just wants to thank everyone who helped reunite the two on a very special Valentine’s Day.

“We made steaks; this little girl got her steak.”

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Lawson said she had some cash and her cellphone stolen from inside her car. Centerville police are urging anyone with information about the crime or who recognize either woman to call police detective Katie Gerspacher at 937-428-4707.

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