Alleged D.C. puppy thieves released without charges

Federal prosecutors have opted not to press charges against four men who were arrested in the nation's capital after stealing a couple's puppy at gunpoint.

The Metropolitan Police Department conducted a raid Thursday night at an apartment in Northwest D.C., in which they found 11-week-old Pablo the Australian Shepherd, who had been stolen when one of the owner's was robbed at gunpoint near a CVS store.

Four men were arrested, and three juveniles were taken into custody as a result of the raid. The four men were released Friday, and it is unclear if the juvenile detainees remain in custody. 

Mere hours after the arrest was announced, the U.S. Attorney's Office said the four adults would not be charged and were released. 

Fox News reports that a spokesperson for the department said, "The U.S. Attorney's Office did not move forward Friday with charges against the four adults who were arrested. The investigation is continuing and we have no further comment at this time."

Morgan Kane, the police department's assistant chief, told The Washington Post that charges could be reinstated following further investigation into the crime. 

"Our intention is to investigate further and have these charges reinstated," he said. "We're not closing it and moving on."

Kane also said the department does not yet have enough evidence to file charges. 

Following the robbery, the suspects allegedly shot two men blocks away and committed an armed robbery at a different location. A second D.C. dog was taken on the night of April 13 that has yet been returned to his owners.