Melody Mellon, 30, was arrested Thursday morning after police found her in a stolen truck, local media reported.
The theft of the dog happened Tuesday night at a 7-Eleven store in Longmont, according to KCNC-TV, when 59-year-old Robert Corbey fell, triggering a seizure.
As rescue workers tried to save him, Mellon left the store with his dog, a Chihuahua named Sampson, KCNC-TV reported. Corbey later died.
On Wednesday, Longmont Deputy Police Chief Jeff Satur spotted Sampson on a street and was able to recover the animal and reunite him with Corbey's family.
"We understand this was an emotional reunion," police wrote in a Facebook post. "But, kisses all around to the large group of family that came to pick Sampson (Sammy) up. He was thrilled to see them."
Around 4:30 a.m. Thursday, a woman called police reporting her truck was missing. She said she believed her son's ex-girlfriend, Mellon, had stolen it, KMGH-TV reported. Police found the truck later that morning. They said Mellon was passed out inside.
Satur told KMGH-TV that officers had also identified Mellon as the suspect in Sampson's theft.
Mellon kicked two officers when they tried to place her in the patrol car, according to court documents obtained by KCNC-TV. She's been charged with assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest and auto theft. She has been issued a municipal summons for the dog theft.
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