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Woman Impersonates Officials, Steals Dog From Police Clerk

HOMEWOOD (KDKA) – An arrest warrant has been issued for a woman who allegedly stole a Pittsburgh Police clerk's dog in a bizarre tale.

The dog was stolen from the clerk's yard. The woman allegedly behind it, lied about her identity and police say at one point, she identified herself as Pittsburgh Police officer.

Police say 40-year-old Lisa Patterson stole a dog from the yard last month. The dog, a chow named Blade, died a few weeks later after being returned home.

According to the criminal complaint, Patterson went to the home on Chaucer Street at the end of June, pretending to be from Animal Friends and there to do a welfare check.

The next day, the owner, a clerk at Pittsburgh Police Zone 5, noticed her dog was missing.

A woman matching Patterson's description had allegedly turned the dog over to the Animal Rescue League.

According to the criminal complaint, Blade's tail was bleeding and had to be amputated.

The dog returned home, but police say Patterson continued to contact Humane Society officers, identifying herself as a police officer and demanding information.

In the days that followed, Patterson's story became questionable and the investigating officer says during a phone interview, Patterson said, "I'm an animal fanatic, vigilante. If I would have thought she would have reclaimed that dog, she would have never in her life seen him again."

There is a warrant for Patterson's arrest. She is being charged with defiant trespass, theft, receiving stolen property and impersonating a public servant.

Reportedly Patterson is expected to turn herself in Monday with her attorney.

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