Reports of a dog thrown from vehicle lead to arrest for outstanding warrant

Police arrested Denise Lewis, 37, on Dec. 16 for an outstanding shoplifting warrant. However, MPD were contacting Lewis for another reason entirely.

Around noon, a Maricopa detective was stopped by a citizen who claimed they witnessed someone throw a dog out of their vehicle near John Wayne Parkway and Farrell Road. The detective notified MPD dispatch and officers subsequently conducted a traffic stop on a black SUV. 

When police approached the vehicle, they were met by two occupants, Lewis and another woman who identified themselves to police. The women were questioned about the dog allegedly being thrown out of their vehicle. Both women denied the allegations.

Police dispatch notified the officers of Lewis’ outstanding shoplifting warrant from the City of Maricopa. Lewis was placed under arrest and booked into Pinal County Jail.

At this time, no additional information is available about an animal allegedly being ejected from a vehicle.