Hollywood police officer mistakenly lets dog loose from man's home

Police tell Sergio Petruno they were responding to suicide call

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – A man is searching for his beloved dog after a Hollywood police officer mistakenly entered his home Wednesday, causing the dog to run out.

Sergio Petruno said he was shocked when he came home Wednesday night and found his back gate open and his 5-year-old dog, Lilly, who stays inside the house, gone.

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He said he had no clue what had happened until he found a note scrawled out on his dining room table from a Hollywood police officer. Apparently, police got a 911 call from a cellphone from someone saying they were going to kill themselves. Police said the phone triangulated to Petruno's address so the officers did a welfare check.

But when they opened the door, the pit bull mix ran away. Police later told Petruno they had the wrong address and a neighbor was in crisis.

Hollywood police spokeswoman Officer Meredith Elrich told Local 10 News that the suicidal person was found near the home on Taft Street and was hospitalized under the Baker Act.

Petruno said he's in disbelief that Hollywood police made no attempt to contact him at work. He said Lilly had been missing for eight hours by the time he found out.

"Though it was unfortunate the dog escaped during a welfare check, Hollywood Police Department police officers entered the residence in good faith attempting to locate a suicidal individual with the hope of saving their life," Hollywood police spokeswoman Officer Meredith Elrich said in a statement Friday. "Our police officers spent time afterwards attempting to locate the missing dog. Additionally, our officers left a note, case card, and their apologies for the unfortunate incident."

Petruno said he understands mistakes happen and he is not looking to get anyone in trouble, but just wants his dog back and would like a little help.

Petruno is offering a $500 reward for Lilly's safe return. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to call 954-297-3466.

"Anyone who finds her – I just want the dog back. I don't care what they want for her, you know, I'll pay for her. She's a family member," Petruno said.


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.