This couple’s car was stolen with their dog inside. They took matters into their own hands

This couple’s car was stolen with their dog inside. They took matters into their own hands

June 19, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom News

A Nova Scotia couple recovered their stolen vehicle and dog after a roadside confrontation in Pictou County, according to reports from CBC. Maggi MacDonald and Peter LeBlanc intercepted their grey Honda Accord on Green Hill Road in Alma, resulting in one arrest by the RCMP for a property crime offence.

The incident began at a Sobeys grocery store in New Glasgow, N.S., where Peter LeBlanc left his car running with the air conditioning on and the key fob inside. LeBlanc, 30, stated he left the vehicle for roughly 20 minutes to pick up dinner items, leaving their four-year-old Lab-husky mix, Tim, in the car.

Upon returning to the parking lot, LeBlanc discovered the vehicle was missing. Shortly after, Maggi MacDonald received a bank alert indicating her credit card had been maxed out at a gas station in Westville, several kilometres from the store.

How was the stolen vehicle recovered?

MacDonald and LeBlanc used a second vehicle to search for the Honda Accord. After receiving an update from police that the car was heading toward Alma, the couple spotted the vehicle driving in front of them.

How was the stolen vehicle recovered?

LeBlanc accelerated to pass the suspects and blocked their path. According to MacDonald, the driver attempted to flee but backed the vehicle into a ditch on Green Hill Road.

During the confrontation, Tim the dog bolted from the car and bit the driver after the man fell to the ground. MacDonald reported that when the driver attempted to take the car a second time, she hit him on the head with a metal water bottle.

Did You Know? The theft was made possible because the owner left the vehicle running with the key fob inside to keep the air conditioning on during a muggy evening.

What is the status of the police investigation?

Three separate agencies are coordinating the investigation because the crime spanned three communities. New Glasgow Police are investigating the car theft, while the Westville Police Service is handling the credit card fraud. Neither of these agencies has laid charges yet.

Couple pleads for safe return of dog stolen from car

The RCMP, which has jurisdiction over Alma, confirmed that one person has been arrested for a property crime offence. The RCMP stated that compiling evidence may take time due to the multi-jurisdictional nature of the case.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that this case highlights the tension between instinctive emotional responses and official safety protocols. While the couple successfully recovered their pet, the RCMP’s warning against intervening in crimes underscores the high risk of violence when suspects are cornered.

What may happen next in the case?

Investigators are likely to continue compiling evidence from the three different jurisdictions. This process could lead to additional charges being laid by the New Glasgow and Westville police departments.

The individual currently in RCMP custody may face further legal proceedings depending on the evidence gathered regarding the credit card fraud and the initial theft.

The RCMP has advised the public to call 911 rather than intervening in property crimes, suggesting that witnesses instead record offences on phones or activate alarms if safe to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was the vehicle initially stolen?
The car was stolen from the parking lot of a Sobeys grocery store in New Glasgow, N.S.

Was the dog injured during the incident?
No, Maggi MacDonald stated that Tim was uninjured during the ordeal.

How many people were involved in the theft?
MacDonald reported that three people were in the car: a driver, another man who fled into the woods, and a woman who fled down the street.

Would you have intervened to save a pet in a similar situation?