The man had knocked on a door and tried to sell the resident a dog. Police spotted the man in his car nearby and did a routine traffic stop.
During the traffic stop officers found some apparently stolen goods in the vehicle. Alonzo D. Williams, 26, was taken into custody for alleged residential burglary.
A follow-up investigation linked Williams to the recent theft of three two-month-old Shih Tzu puppies. Police say an acquaintance of Williams later showed at the jail.
Police say she had one of the Shih Tzu puppies in her possession. Nandi Kevina Tate, 19, was taken into custody for alleged possession of stolen property.
The dog was returned to its rightful owner. The investigation continues to see what happened to the other animals.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Torrance Police Detective Division at (310) 618-5570.
