Woman gets to keep allegedly stolen puppy

STANTON , Calif., Jan. 7 (UPI) -- A California woman who unwittingly received a stolen dog as a Christmas present has been allowed to keep the dog after paying in full, authorities said.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department said Ryan Rickman, 23, of Orange was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of burglary and grand theft after he returned to the store he allegedly stole the dog from and offered to pay for it, the Orange County Register reported Wednesday.

Sheriff's Department spokesman Jim Amormino said Rickman and another man that authorities have been unable to contact allegedly entered the Pet City store in Stanton Dec. 22 and taking the puppy, which has an identifying microchip.

Amormino said Rickman gave the puppy to his girlfriend, who did not know about the theft and is not facing charges, as a Christmas present. He said the puppy was photographed and returned to the woman after she paid the store.