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A US Army veteran is desperate to find his dog after two men blindsided the vet, beating him before stealing the PTSD service dog.
The surveillance video footage above shows 40-year-old Robert Lebron returning to his Bronx home with his pit bull, Mala, where he was ambushed around 9:20 a.m. on Mother’s Day.
One of the men, later identified by police as Lebron’s wife’s ex-boyfriend, Brian Cohen, punched Lebron several times in the head, causing him to stumble away from the stoop where his frightened dog was left cowering.
A second man then walked up, grabbed Mala’s leash, and walked off with her.
Police released a photo of Cohen and descriptions of both attackers on Sunday in hopes that someone will step forward with information about their whereabouts.
Individual #1: Identified as Brian Cohen, white male, 5’5″ tall and 180lbs, last seen wearing grey hooded sweatshirt and dark pants, dark shoes.
Individual #2: Unidentified, black male, 5’5″ tall and 180lbs, last seen wearing grey hooded sweatshirt and dark pants, dark shoes.
Lebron served as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan after the terrorist attacks on September 11. His service dog, Mala brought joy back into his life as he struggled with PTSD.
“What she gives me I can’t get from someone else: not a therapist or a family member or my friend,” he told PIX11 about his service dog. “It’s unconditional love.”
He also urged the public, “[If] you see something, say something – because I need her and she needs me.”
Anyone with information about the suspects or Mala’s whereabouts is urged to submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
Olivia Huffstickler
says:I hope get your Mala back safe and soon! As for the 2 POS's that done this why no arrests?
Solomente del valle
says:Hope Mala is returned safe & unharmed.
EttaMae
says:Prayers 'S for Mala's safe return to her owner that needs her & he needs her
Kathryn D Ladick
says:Harming a Service Dog is a felony. I hope this scum is found and goes to jail.
I hate to say what I would do to them if they stole my Service Dog.
Barbara
says:Follow this story on NYPD's Twitter account – twitter.com/NYPDnews/status/866636020749619200 but it doesn't look like there has been any update. Unbelievable considering they have pictures and names of these pieces of garbage.
Joan
says:Why did these thugs grab this dog? I so hope this dog is returned To much grief in our day now watching the news. So bring back this man's dog. If the thugs do evil to this dog, then I wish nothing but evil back to the thugs.
Leslie
says:this is ridiculous and heartbreaking!
Janice Boyes
says:It's been 2 weeks, has Mala been found yet? Could someone please give an update!!!
There have not been any updates as of yet. Mala is still missing.