KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT)— Knoxville Police have identified a suspect in the theft of a French bulldog valued at nearly $8,500 from a West Knoxville pet store.
According to the Knoxville Police Department, Daniel Farris has been identified as the alleged offender in the theft of a puppy from Petland, located at 9339 Kingston Pike.
Police said the theft occurred on June 18, 2026, at approximately 1 p.m. Officers responding to the store spoke with manager Ashley Thornburg, who reported that two unidentified men entered the business and inquired about an available French bulldog.
According to the incident report, Thornburg told authorities that one of the men, described as a white male wearing a yellow shirt and blue jeans, engaged her in conversation. Investigators believe that interaction was intended to distract store employees.
While Thornburg was speaking with the first man, a second suspect, described as a white male wearing a blue sweatshirt, allegedly entered the store’s animal display area, removed a French bulldog and carried the dog out of the store without paying.
Police said the first suspect left the store immediately after the puppy was taken.
Thornburg reported that the stolen French bulldog was valued at $8,499.99 and that Petland intended to pursue prosecution.
The following day, detectives assigned to the case reviewed surveillance video from the store and reportedly obtained clear images of both suspects, including visible facial features and tattoos.
During the investigation, detectives were contacted by the wife of the store owner, who had posted images of the suspects on social media in an effort to identify them.
Investigators compared the social media photos, surveillance footage and a Tennessee identification photograph of Farris. According to police, distinctive tattoos on Farris’ left hand matched those observed in the surveillance video.
Based on that evidence, detectives determined there was probable cause to identify Farris as the individual who allegedly removed the puppy from the store.
Because the alleged theft involves property valued at more than $8,000, authorities said the offense is classified as a felony. A citation was not issued, and the case remains under investigation.
Police have not released additional information regarding the second suspect.
