MESA, AZ (AZFamily) — A man is accused of stealing a service dog and refusing to return the pup to its rightful owner.

Mesa police arrested Geoffrey Washington, 38, for the alleged crime earlier this month.

On Oct. 6, officers were called to a home near McLellan Road and Country Club Drive after a woman reported that her service dog was stolen by Washington, who had been staying at her home for three days. That morning, police say Washington asked the woman if he could take her service dog, a 4-year-old Rottweiler, Mastiff and Golden Retriever mix named Buddy, for a walk.

Several hours later, Washington reportedly contacted the woman, claiming the dog was “ours” and refused to return Buddy. Court documents say the pet owner tried to negotiate with Washington, offering him $200 in exc

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