BRONX, N.Y. - A kitten that police say was stolen from a Bronx bodega has been returned, according to the store's owners.
Police say the man allegedly stole the cat Saturday from the family's Bronx bodega on West 238th Street in Kingsbridge.
The man is seen on surveillance video reaching for a drink in the cooler. But the store's owners say in his hands was also their beloved two-month old kitten.
"We checked the camera. There you go, the guy that was here standing that bought the soda walked out with the cat in his hand and I didn't see it at all," said Ismael Diaz, the store co-owner.
"I've never heard of somebody stealing a cat. It's like the last thing you're thinking is that somebody's going to come and get your cat, no. I mean he could get a cat anywhere, but to us she's special," said Suzie Pena, the store co-owner.
The store owners say the cat belonged to their son.
The 10-year-old boy is autistic and the cat was a gift from his grandmother.
After seeing NY1's story, Queens Councilman Robert Holden is offering a $250 reward for the safe return of the kitten — no questions asked.
It is unclear at this time whether anyone has been charged in the incident.