JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The owner of a Jacksonville exotic pet store has one of two stolen animals back in his care.
Stephen Brezil, owner of Xtreme Exotics, posted on Facebook Wednesday, sharing that he got his puppy back from the people who stole her. However, he said he was not able to recover a bearded dragon that was also taken from his store.
News4JAX spoke with Brezil on the phone Wednesday afternoon. He shared that he was able to track the suspects down thanks to the help of social media. He said that law enforcement came after an altercation, but that the suspects were not arrested.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office shared a statement in response to questions about where the case stands:
We are aware that the puppy has been recovered safe and are grateful. We are in constant contact with the owner and have assigned investigators to the case. The puppy was found outside of our jurisdiction and we are working closely with partner agencies.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
Brezil said four people worked together inside his store on Saturday, watching employees and handling the puppy.
“They carried the puppy around, which we don’t normally allow,” Brezil said.
He said one person handed the puppy to another member of the group, who carried it out of the store “like he was carrying a football.” The bearded dragon was later discovered missing from one of the store’s cages.
Xtreme Exotics (WJXT)
Brezil reported the theft to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and shared photos and video on social media.
News4JAX chose to blur the suspects’ faces in our original report because they have not been charged with a crime at this point.
Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.