Police: Brookhaven woman made up dognapping story

BROOKHAVEN, Ga. - Brookhaven police are now saying a woman’s story about a stranger ripping her dog from her arms and taking off is just that: a tall tale.

The Brookhaven Police Department charged Habibah Dixon with violating a city ordinance by providing false information to police.

"The dog simply ran away while being walked," said Major Brandon Gurley with Brookhaven Police. "In the end, the statements she gave were false," he said, claiming she confessed to making up the story of a thief who snatched her dog.

Police released no reason for why Dixon would allegedly make up the story.

Dixon told police that the dognapping happened last Friday during a walk, a story she also recounted to FOX 5 News.

“He just dropped down like this, like he was going to pet her and I’m like, ‘She's harmless. She won't hurt you.’ And he just grabbed her from around the middle and just yanked her and just took off running. I mean, full-speed run. I just couldn't believe it,” said Dixon.

The 43-year-old’s Yorkie, Blondie, is still missing, according to police, but foul play now has been ruled out by investigators. Police now believe the dog was picked up by someone who possibly wanted to save it from oncoming traffic.

FOX 5's Jaclyn Schultz spoke with Dixon by phone Friday night. She said police are mistaken, and someone did indeed snatch her dog.

Police tell FOX 5, detectives are upset that DIxon unnecessarily used police resources.

"[It] pulled detectives away from legitimate cases," Gurley said.

Gurley said Dixon received a citation, and could face jail time or fines after appearing in municipal court.