A woman has been arrested in New York after a popular Brooklyn bodega cat was allegedly stolen and kept away from its owner for nearly a week.
The three-month-old cat, named Jabal, disappeared from a Brooklyn bodega on September 10. Owner Imad Innab initially believed the kitten had wandered away, but surveillance footage reportedly showed a man and woman taking Jabal while Innab was preparing the store for the day.
The disappearance quickly attracted attention online, with customers and local residents sharing appeals for Jabal's return. A $500 reward was also offered for information leading to the kitten's recovery.
Jabal was eventually returned to Innab on September 15, nearly a week after disappearing. One of the people accused of taking the kitten reportedly handed him back.
Police later arrested 58-year-old Mary Sierra in connection with the incident. She was charged with petit larceny, possession of stolen property and companion animal stealing.
The man who was reportedly with Sierra when Jabal was taken has not been charged.
Under New York law, companion animal stealing can carry a fine of up to $1,000 and as much as one year in jail, while the other charges could carry additional penalties.
Jabal has since been reunited with his owner, ending a search that attracted widespread attention from the bodega's customers and local community.