Area transient nabbed in Walmart pooch pilfer

Christine Olivia Powers, surveillance video from Somersworth Walmart

SOMERSWORTH - An area transient was arrested on Friday in the theft of a service dog from the Somersworth Walmart on Wednesday.

Christine Olivia Powers, 56, was arrested in Dover around 1 p.m. after Dover Police were alerted a person matching her description had been spotted on Central Avenue.

Police found the pooch, a mini-pinscher named Emmy Lou, in good condition. She has since been reunited with her owner.

The owner of the dog reported that she was in the checkout line at Walmart around 4 p.m. with Emmy Lou on a leash attached to the cart when she stepped away for a moment to get a drink. When she came back the dog was gone.

Surveillance video confirmed the suspect had left the store with the dog in arm.

Concern for the dog's safety was elevated after it was found she was on medication and a special diet.

Powers was charged with misdemeanor theft by unauthorized taking and a probation violation out of Pennsylvania involving a theft conviction.

She was also charged as a Fugitive from Justice from Pennsylvania.