Brooklyn woman's stolen dog returned, one person in custody, police say

A Flatbush woman who says an Uber delivery driver stole her dog over the weekend was reunited with her puppy on Tuesday. The man who allegedly took the dog is in custody.
Melanie Polanco said her family ordered pizza through Uber Eats to their apartment. The delivery man – who was identified by Polanco only as “Michael” – was at the door. When she opened the door to grab the food, she said the 6-month-old cocker spaniel must have slipped out.
She then realized the puppy was gone, but said she was shocked upon seeing the surveillance video.
"My heart dropped. I was just like, 'what the hell?' He stole my puppy!" Polanco said.
The video appears to show the delivery man get into the elevator, pause, and then exit. Then moments later, he returns with Ella in his arms before he walked out of the building and drove off.
The delivery man called Tuesday around 9 a.m. after News 12 interviewed Polanco. Polanco told News 12 that the delivery man kept changing his story in a phone call to her. He insisted he was not trying to steal the pup. He promised that Ella was on her way back.
Nearly three hours later, around 12:15 p.m., Ella was returned home. The man who dropped off the dog claimed that the he was paid by someone to deliver her to Polanco. Detectives who were waiting nearby quickly closed in and took the man into custody for questioning.
Polonca said justice will be served when Michael, the Uber Eats driver, is found. Uber told News 12 the driver's access has been revoked and that the company is working with law enforcement to resolve the issue.
In the meantime, she's just grateful to have her furry baby back at home.
"She's my child and part of the family. I'm so happy and relieved that she's OK," Polanco said.