Woman to police: Dog made me do it

ARLINGTON, Wash., June 30 (UPI) -- Police in Washington state said a woman accused of stealing money from her ex-husband's bank account said her dog's actions forced her to commit the crime.

Arlington police spokeswoman Kristin Banfield said a 42-year-old man told police in late March money was disappearing from his bank account and detectives determined the money was being used to pay utility bills and for sundry items at the home of the man's 50-year-old ex-wife, the Everett (Wash.) Herald reported Tuesday.

Banfield said the woman, whose name was not released, gave police an unusual excuse for her behavior.

"Her dog got into her purse and ate all her personal checks," Banfield said. The spokeswoman said the ex-wife told police she felt like she had no choice but to take money from the victim's account.

"The dog ate my checks was the first excuse. There were multiple excuses," Banfield said.

Police said the woman is under investigation for identity theft and forgery.