Man accused of stealing, painting dog to trick police

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Samuel Collier, of the city's West Side, is accused of stealing a valuable bull dog and painting it to trick authorities.

Collier was taken into custody after police searched his home this week on a tip. Police allegedly found several mistreated dogs, including one that had apparently been painted.

The bull dog - worth roughly $5,000 - was reported stolen in October 2014.

Its owner recognized it by a mark on its muzzle, and they are now happily reunited.