Santa Cruz Man Claims Someone Tried To Steal Service Dog - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

SANTA CRUZ - A man claims someone tried to steal his service dog that was in front of his home, Santa Cruz Police said.

Police said it happened on Saturday in the 200 block of Laurel Street.

The victim was reportedly inside his apartment while his dog was sitting outside, attached to the home by his leash.

But when the victim heard a noise and went outside, he told police he caught someone trying to unhook the leash to take his dog.

That's when the suspect bolted.

"It would be like stealing someone's oxygen tank and best friend at the same time," said Lyn Oppenheim of Felton, who has a service dog of her own. "I can't imagine why somebody would do that. It's horrifying and it makes me angry."

If you have information on the incident, you're asked to contact Santa Cruz Police.