A FedEx driver allegedly stole a North Carolina family’s French bulldog and threw it in the back of his hot truck — where the pet died while he completed his delivery route, authorities said.
The now ex-employee, Kimani Joehon Marshall, is accused of swiping the $5,500 championship show dog named Tori with the intent to breed it, ABC 11 reported, citing court documents.
Marshall, 44, reportedly knew Tori’s owners and had previously asked them about breeding the beloved pooch with one of his dogs, but the owners declined the offer.
On July 3, he allegedly took the pup from her yard while delivering packages in the neighborhood.
While Tori’s family frantically searched nearby woods for her and posted missing dog flyers around town, the dog was believed to have already died.
Their worst fear was confirmed on July 7 when deputies from the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office found Tori dead.
Investigators believe that Marshall kept Tori in his truck while he finished his delivery route for FedEx and the French bulldog died of heatstroke or a related sickness from the scorching temperatures inside the truck, according to the sheriff’s office.
The delivery driver surrendered to authorities on Monday and was charged with larceny of a dog, possession of stolen goods and cruelty to animals.
He was held on $50,000 bond, according to the sheriff’s office.
FedEx said Marshall is no longer employed by the company.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family on the loss of their beloved pet,” the company said in a statement to ABC11. “We understand the importance of people’s pets in their lives and deeply regret the pain that this has caused. The driver is no longer providing service on behalf of FedEx.”
The Post has reached out to the company for comment.