Omaha Woman's Coffee Break Leads to Unexpected Car and Pet Theft

Jan 5, 2025 at 6:35 PM

In a surprising turn of events, an Omaha resident faced an unexpected ordeal after a routine coffee stop. Alanah Nantell briefly left her running car outside a Midtown coffee shop only to find it missing upon her return. Adding to her distress, her seven-year-old pit bull mix was inside the vehicle at the time. The incident has sparked a community-wide search for both the car and the beloved pet. Despite the challenging circumstances, Nantell remains hopeful and urges the public to stay vigilant.

A Fateful Morning in Midtown Omaha

On a crisp autumn Saturday morning, Alanah Nantell made a quick stop at Myrtle and Cypress coffee shop in Midtown Omaha. She left her Mazda running, keys in hand, expecting a brief absence. However, when she emerged from the shop, her car—and with it, her dog named Sonic—had vanished. Sonic, a seven-year-old pit bull mix, was safely crated in the backseat, unaware of the unfolding drama.

Nantell expressed immense concern over Sonic’s whereabouts, emphasizing that her primary worry was his safety rather than the loss of her vehicle. “I’m feeling extremely stressed, not knowing if he’s still in the car or if they’ve left him somewhere,” she shared. “We’ve been searching tirelessly for hours, but finding him is my top priority.”

The situation is further complicated by the fact that while Sonic is microchipped, the chip lacks GPS tracking capabilities. Therefore, unless he is taken to a shelter or vet, identifying his owner would be difficult. On the other hand, the car does have GPS, but without Mazda’s customer service support, which will resume operations the following day, the app isn’t updating with new locations.

Nantell speculates that the car might still be running because the thief doesn’t have the key to turn it off. This uncertainty adds another layer of anxiety to an already distressing situation. Authorities remind everyone never to leave vehicles unattended and unlocked. If anyone spots the vehicle or Sonic, they are advised to contact the Omaha Police immediately rather than approaching the scene directly.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vehicle security and the potential risks of leaving personal belongings unattended. It also highlights the unwavering bond between humans and their pets, driving home the message that our furry friends are invaluable members of our families. Let this story encourage us all to take extra precautions and remain mindful of our surroundings.