Kitten Used in Bizarre Maryland Bank Robbery Attempt
In a turn of events that sounds more like a quirky movie plot than a police report, a Maryland man is accused of attempting to rob a bank with a rather unusual accomplice: a three-month-old kitten. The feline, named Magnolia, was allegedly taken from a pet store and brought into a bank, where the suspect reportedly asked an employee to hold the kitten before demanding cash.
A Most Unlikely Accomplice
The peculiar incident unfolded in Beltsville, Maryland. According to Prince George’s County police, the man first entered a Pet Supplies Plus store. Witnesses observed him making a beeline for Magnolia, a black-and-white tuxedo kitten, and leaving the store seconds later with the animal in his arms. He then proceeded directly to a nearby PNC Bank branch located in the same shopping center.
Stephanie Stullich, a representative from the local cat rescue organization Beltsville Community Cats, recounted how pet store employees contacted her in a panic. “I immediately saw all of these police cars, and I thought, ‘Wow, that’s a heck of a response for a stolen cat,'” Stullich told NBC Washington. “But then I realized they all were going down to the bank.”
Stullich later learned from officers that the suspect entered the bank, holding Magnolia. He allegedly approached a bank employee and asked, “Can you hold this?” before presenting a teller with a note demanding money. Police apprehended the suspect at the bank shortly thereafter.
Magnolia’s Brief ‘Life of Crime’
Fortunately, Magnolia emerged from the ordeal completely unharmed. The rescue organization later shared a lighthearted update on Facebook, joking that the kitten’s brief “life of crime” had concluded. Despite her starring role in the attempted robbery, Magnolia is still searching for her permanent home.
Security footage from the pet store captured the man, described as wearing a light-colored T-shirt and a black beanie, entering the establishment and quickly exiting with the kitten. Aaron Kurkowski, the manager of the Pet Supplies Plus store, mentioned that the suspect had been a regular visitor over the past few weeks and consistently showed a particular interest in Magnolia.
“He just went right to her and ran right on out,” Kurkowski stated.
Still Seeking a Forever Home
Beltsville Community Cats described Magnolia as a “true purr machine” and an affectionate, playful kitten who enjoys cuddles and adventures. The organization noted that she is quite social and energetic, recommending she be placed in a home with another young, playful cat or adopted alongside one of their other felines.
“She’s looking for a law-abiding citizen with a lot of love in their heart,” Stullich remarked, adding a touch of humor to the situation. The rescue confirmed that Magnolia was recovered safely and had even reportedly bonded with the bank manager during the incident.
The attempted robbery was unsuccessful, the suspect was arrested, and Magnolia was found safe and sound. While her brush with the law was certainly memorable, Magnolia is now ready to settle down into a quiet, law-abiding life filled with love and attention from a forever family.
