Crime · updated 1h ago · 2 min read
San Diego Burglar Arrested After Golden Retriever Nash Brings Toys During Break-In
Golden Retriever Nash greeted intruder with toys during home break-in in Sherman Heights, San Diego. Intruder spent about 30 minutes inside; dog attempted play, not deterred or barked.
Whether the intruder is named.
8 of 10 outlets skipped it: police used a drone to search the home.
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Patch names the intruder as John Cline, while StreamlineFeed says the suspect has not been named.
Nash greets burglar
A burglar broke into a Sherman Heights home in San Diego, California, using a ladder to reach a second-story window near 20th and J streets, and the family’s 4-year-old golden retriever Nash responded by repeatedly bringing toys instead of barking.
“Security footage shows the golden retriever inviting the alleged burglar to play”
Dante Rowley and his fiancée Stephanie Calderon watched the break-in in real time through their home security cameras while boarding a plane, and Rowley said, "We just watched it all happen from my phone."
Security footage described the intruder removing his shoes and shirt, sitting on a bench in the foyer, and eating yogurt, turkey and cheese before taking a nap, while Nash approached him with a toy in his mouth at least three times.
When police arrived, Nash continued to greet officers at the front door with a toy, and the intruder attempted to escape through a first-floor bathroom window before being confronted in the backyard and taken into custody.
Arrest, charges, and quotes
Police arrested the suspect as he tried to leave through a bathroom window, and FOX 5/KUSI reported that officers arrested 57-year-old John Cline on suspicion of first degree burglary.
Rowley told NBC 7 San Diego, "The dogs, we just wanted to make sure they were safe," and he said Nash was expected to bark at people but "did the exact opposite."
NBC 7 San Diego said the suspect was charged with burglary and also had outstanding warrants or charges related to unrelated incidents, while Patch reported that Cline was arrested on suspicion of first-degree burglary.P
Rowley also said he hoped the intruder would get help, telling NBC 7, "We just hope he gets some help honestly," as the video circulated and Nash remained focused on playtime even after officers arrived.
Aftermath and security plans
After the incident, Rowley said he planned to beef up security at his Sherman Heights home, including getting a taller fence and an alarm system.
“"We’re definitely going to increase security, were getting a taller fence"”
Patch reported that officers arrived within minutes, used a drone to search the home, and then took the intruder into custody, while the family said nothing was stolen and there was no damage to the home.P
The coverage also emphasized that Nash’s behavior was captured by a Ring app and home security cameras, with one account noting the Ring video had been seen more than six million times on the family’s social media accounts.
Even as the break-in ended with an arrest and burglary charges, the owners’ focus remained on the dogs’ safety and Nash’s continued friendliness, with Rowley describing Nash as "in the doghouse" for his lack of guard dog instincts.