The dog a man claimed to be looking for while swimming in the Red River on Sunday actually belongs to a 3-year-old girl, a Grand Forks woman said Monday.
Grand Forks police rescued and arrested Bryan C. Peterson, 41, Grand Forks, on an obstructing charge for swimming in the river near Riverside Park, according to a news release. Police said Peterson, who claimed he was looking for his dog, Harley, was intoxicated, uncooperative and exhibited aggressive behavior toward and officer. After repeatedly exiting and entering the river, Peterson was eventually pulled to shore.
But Jessica Nelson told the Herald that Harley belongs to her 3-year-old daughter. Peterson asked Nelson's boyfriend, who he said worked with Peterson, if he could borrow the 7-month-old Golden Retriever mix. Since Nelson's daughter was out of town, her boyfriend agreed.
"The first thing she said when she got home is, 'Where is my puppy?'" Nelson said.
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Nelson said they contacted police about the dog, which was still missing on Monday. She described Harley as full-grown and friendly. If found, Nelson asks the public to call (218) 779-1493 or the Grand Forks Police at (701) 787-8000.
Peterson, who had an active warrant out of Cass County, N.D., for failure to appear, was also issued a citation for swimming in the river. He is being held at the Grand Forks County Correctional Center.
