Maryland Man Allegedly Steals Kitten, Asks Bank Employee to Hold Her Before Robbery Attempt

A recent incident in Maryland saw a man allegedly steal a three-month-old kitten from a local pet supply store, then carry the animal into a nearby bank where he asked an employee to hold the feline before attempting to demand cash from a teller.

The kitten, affectionately named Magnolia, was later found unharmed after Prince George's County police apprehended the individual suspected of the theft and attempted robbery.

Beltsville Community Cats, the animal rescue organization overseeing Magnolia's adoption, lightheartedly posted on social media that the kitten's brief "life of crime" had concluded. The rescue described the three-month-old tuxedo cat as a "true purr machine" and noted she is still seeking a permanent home following her unexpected involvement in the incident.

The Incident Unfolds

Security camera footage captured a man, dressed in a light-colored T-shirt and black beanie, entering a Pet Supplies Plus store on Baltimore Avenue. Moments later, he was seen exiting the establishment, carrying the black-and-white kitten. Witnesses informed local media that the man proceeded directly to a PNC Bank located within the same shopping complex.

Stephanie Stullich, representing Beltsville Community Cats, recounted receiving an urgent call around 10:30 a.m. from pet store staff, who reported that Magnolia had been taken from the adoption area. "I immediately saw all of these police cars, and I thought, 'Wow, that's a heck of a response for a stolen cat,'" Stullich explained. "But then I realized they all were going down to the bank."

According to Stullich, police officers later informed her that the suspect entered the bank with Magnolia in hand. He allegedly approached an employee and asked, "Can you hold this?" before reportedly presenting a note to a teller demanding money. Prince George's County police confirmed that they took a man into custody at the bank following the events.

Magnolia's Journey to Safety

Aaron Kurkowski, manager of Pet Supplies Plus, told reporters that the suspect had been a regular visitor to the store in the preceding weeks, often coming in daily and consistently heading straight for Magnolia. "He just went right to her and ran right on out," Kurkowski stated.

The rescue organization subsequently updated its social media followers, confirming Magnolia's safe recovery. They added that the kitten appeared to have formed a bond with the bank manager during the ordeal. "The robbery was unsuccessful, the suspect was arrested, and Magnolia was found safe and sound," the organization announced.

Magnolia, described as an affectionate and playful three-month-old tuxedo kitten, is still available for adoption. Her personality includes a love for cuddles, adventures, and following her human companions. Given her social and energetic nature, Beltsville Community Cats suggests she would thrive in a home with another young, playful cat, or potentially adopted alongside one of the rescue's other felines.

"She's looking for a law-abiding citizen with a lot of love in their heart," Stullich remarked, emphasizing the kitten's need for a loving, stable environment.