Grubhub driver steals puppy during delivery, police say

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — A Grubhub driver was arrested after stealing a puppy Saturday night while delivering an order of food, police said.

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Jacksonville Beach Police said Arlinson Chilito, 22, delivered the food, then grabbed Lexi, a teacup poodle, and surreptitiously shoved her into a delivery bag when she slipped out the front door, WJAX reported.

Lexi’s owner Rick Block got surveillance video from the Jacksonville Beach condominium where he and his wife live. The video shows the dog being taken down an elevator and put inside a bag before Chilito leaves, WJAX reported. Deputies said Chilito also avoided going out through the lobby where night staff was on duty.

The Blocks did not realize Lexi was missing until hours later.

“When it’s time to go to bed, we have this ritual where we put her in her crate, she wasn’t there – you’re gonna make me tear up - she wasn’t there,” Block told WJAX.

The couple started searching for Lexi. They even offered a $5,000 reward. Police later reviewed the condo security camera and went to Chilito’s home where they found Lexi.

Block said he called Grubhub.

“And then they said, ‘he’s not an employee, he’s using his girlfriend’s credentials,’” Block said.

Grubhub did not comment to WJAX about the incident.

Chilito was arrested and charged with grand theft. He is being held in jail on $92,000 bond. The Blocks are not sure what to do next.

“I don’t know, he’s young, and I really don’t want to ruin somebody’s life,” Block said.

Lexi was reunited with her owners Sunday morning.

“She doesn’t get to sleep in the bed with us, she has her own place; she got to sleep in the bed last night,” Block said.

Cox Media Group