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Rescued Dog, Ex-Marine Foil Car Theft

Updated 7:21 AM PDT, Thu, Jan 8, 2009

Related Topics: Iraq | Crime | Grand Larceny

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Retired Lt. Col. Jay Kopelman told police that his dog Lava, who he rescued in Iraq and brought back to the U.S. when he returned from his deployment, alerted him early on Wednesday that his car thieves were stealing his wife's van.

Retired Lt. Col. Jay Kopelman told police that his dog Lava, who he rescued in Iraq and brought back to the U.S. when he returned from his deployment, alerted him early on Wednesday that his car thieves were stealing his wife's van.

 

A retired Marine officer chased a pair of car thieves Wednesday morning, according to San Diego police.

Iraq Dog is Hero to His Owners

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When "Lava" started growling early this morning, Jay Kopelman went outside and saw two men apparently breaking into his wife's car.

Retired Lt. Col. Jay Kopelman told police that his dog Lava, who he rescued in Iraq and brought back to the U.S. when he returned from his deployment, alerted him early on Wednesday that his car thieves were stealing his wife's van from outside their home in the 600 block of Gravilla Street in La Jolla.

Investigators said Kopelman jumped into his car and gave chase, calling police from his cell phone during the pursuit. A 911 dispatcher urged Kopelman to back off during the chase, but police said he refused, telling the dispatcher that he served two tours in Iraq.

Kopelman's and Lava's names may be to San Diegans. After returning from Iraq, he wrote "From Baghdad With Love: A Marine, the War and a Dog Named Lava."

Comments (20)

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  • lajolla murf Friday, Jan 9 at 9:19 PM FLAG COMMENT Hey CR jay is my neighbor ,and by no means a "perfect person",however ,he takes loving care of both lava and his other dog,they live great lives.Lava's a bit of a haandful,but is one lucky dog. As far as jay's "hostile and antagonistic personality"....I would have shot the worthless pieces of sh*t,and saved the police the trouble.You must be a real wimp if you won't stand up for yourself.People like you are one of the reason ... MORE >
  • OldSteer Thursday, Jan 8 at 6:16 AM FLAG COMMENT Right on GOBack2School. I think even an intern would have given us more relevant information, especially whether or not the thieves were apprehended.
  • SemperFido! Wednesday, Jan 7 at 8:28 PM FLAG COMMENT Bravo Zulu to you Sir and to your loyal fido Lava! Thank you for your service. Those thieves chose the wrong house to play with. HOORAH!
  • batrilla Wednesday, Jan 7 at 6:18 PM FLAG COMMENT CR what a jerk
  • CR, San Diego, CA Wednesday, Jan 7 at 4:43 PM FLAG COMMENT I just watched Jay Kopelman on the 4:30 news cast. The way he jerks that poor dog around on that barbed collar (no living creature deserves a barbed collar except for Kopelman himself) is animal abuse and he should be reported to animal control and the SDPD for animal abuse & cruelty. Kopelman also seems to have a very hostile & antagonistic personality disorder and will no doubt end up getting just what he deserves.

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