Photo of dog theft suspect is released

Newport Beach police released a photo Tuesday of the Garden Grove man they say stole three puppies worth $3,300 apiece from a local animal shelter.

Aleksandar Apostolovic, 20, is wanted by police for allegedly taking three sickly English bulldog puppies from the Back Bay Veterinary Hospital in June.

Detectives soon found and returned two of the puppies, with Apostolovic’s father returning the last one Friday night, police said.

Despite the dogs being returned to the clinic, police continue to look for Apostolovic, who was a former employee at the animal hospital.

“It’s still grand theft, even if the dogs were returned,” Sgt. Evan Sailor said.

It remains unclear how Apostolovic’s father ended up with the last puppy, a 12-week-old male with brown fur and white markings, or why he returned him.

Apostolovic was convicted of a felony weapons charge in 2007 and for stealing a car in 2006, court records show.

He was released on parole, but since Newport Beach police began looking for him, Apostolovic’s parole officer has issued a warrant for his arrest, Sailor said.

Back Bay clinic staff workers noticed June 20 that three of their puppies were missing, but waited a week to report it in hopes they would be returned, police said.

Hospital workers said all three animals were sick and could have died if they weren’t treated soon, police said.

The puppies are recovering and are being treated by vets at the facility, workers there said.

Anyone with information about Apostolovic’s whereabouts are urged to call police at (800) 550-NBPD. Tips can be received anonymously.

JOSEPH SERNA may be reached at (714) 966-4619 or at joseph.serna@latimes.com.