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SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. — It was a frightening moment for a 12-year-old boy who was pushed to the ground before his dog was stolen right out of his hands. It happened Sunday morning in southeast Shelby County on Hedgington Drive.

And the thief is still on the run.

Four-month-old Diamond is an American Bully – pure white with a blue patch on her left eye. John Black says he bought the dog, two crates and treats less than two months ago for his 12-year-old son.

“Something to keep him busy, build report with the dog, have relationship with the dog and let the dog be his best friend,” Black said.

Now Diamond is gone.

“As he was walking back, the guy pulled up behind him, got out the car, starts walking towards Brandon and the guy pushed him down. He said a few obscene words to him and then grabbed the dog, jumped in the car and shot down the street,” the father said.

He says his son ran home to tell him. And he called the police.

“If we get the dog back, that would be beautiful. If not, we still got him cause they could’ve picked him up, they could’ve grabbed him not the dog or they could’ve grabbed both,” Black said.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is now investigating the incident. They hope residents can help find Diamond.

“It’s heartbreaking. But one thing I am encouraged about is so far on our Facebook account we’ve had over 600 shares for the story. So our community partners and our followers are helping us out with putting eyes on the ground trying to locate this puppy,” Lt. Anthony Buckner, with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, said.

Tonight Black just wants justice.

“They push my son down, they assaulted my son so if the dog comes back or not, I really want this guy caught just because of the action that he took,” he said.

The boy’s father posted about the incident on Facebook, saying that the suspect jumped out of a PT Cruiser Sedan.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Shelby County detectives at 901-222-5600 or dispatchers at 901-379-7625.

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