A man in Beltsville, Maryland attempted a bank robbery with an unusual accomplice: a three-and-a-half-month-old tuxedo kitten named Magnolia. The Prince george’s County police department arrested the suspect after the failed heist, which took place on a Monday morning.
The kitten was safely recovered and returned to the Beltsville Community Cats rescue organization. The incident has sparked widespread attention due to its peculiar nature and the kitten’s role in the attempted crime.
The Unusual Heist
The suspect allegedly stole Magnolia from her adoption habitat at Pet Supplies Plus store on Baltimore Avenue. He then carried the kitten across the parking lot to a nearby PNC Bank branch, where he attempted to use her as an accessory in his robbery.
According to a Facebook post by Beltsville Community Cats the man asked the bank manager to hold the kitten while he wrote a note. He then handed the note to a teller, demanding all the cash. Fortunately, the robbery was unsuccessful, and the suspect was arrested. Magnolia was found safe and sound in the bank manager’s office, where she had bonded with the manager during the ordeal.
The Suspect’s Behavior
Employees at Pet Supplies Plus reported that the suspect had been visiting the store nearly every day for about two weeks. Each time, he would focus on Magnolia indicating a clear interest in the kitten. On the day of the incident, he managed to use a key to open the cat adoption area and whisked Magnolia away.
Store manager Aaron Kurkowski told WRC that the suspect saw an opportunity when no team members were nearby the front of the store. He quickly grabbed the kitten and ran out. Stephanie Stullich a member of Beltsville Community Cats received a frantic call from a pet store employee alerting her to the situation.
The Aftermath and Magnolia’s Future
Stullich rushed to the store and was surprised to see a significant police presence. She initially thought the response was excessive for a stolen cat but soon realized the police were dealing with the bank robbery. Officers confirmed that the suspect had entered the bank holding Magnolia and asked an employee to hold the kitten before handing a note demanding cash.
Despite her brief involvement in a criminal act, Magnolia remains a sweet and affectionate kitten. The Beltsville Community Cats rescue organization is still looking for a forever home for her. They describe her as a true purr machine who loves cuddles, adventures, and following her people around. The organization recommends she be adopted into a home with another young, playful cat or alongside one of their other cats.
The rescue organization jokingly noted that Magnolia’s brief ‘life of crime’ is behind her except for her ability to steal hearts, treats, toys, and cuddles in her new home. Interested adopters can apply by emailing rescue@.
