A Reno, Nevada couple who was selling English Bulldog puppies out of their home were the victims of a home invasion on Wednesday.

Ross Harwood said he had been asleep on his couch around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday when he heard someone breaking down his front door in the 10000 block of Robilee Drive, in South Reno. He awoke to see two men reaching into a nearby dog pen, snatching two of three puppies.

The thieves had used either a sledgehammer or device that unhinged the door. Harwood ran after them, and Wendy, the mother of the pups, followed. The suspects’ dark red small sports utility vehicle struck Harwood during their flee, knocking him down. Then they ran over Wendy, who had been at the rear of the vehicle. She soon died.

The couple had been advertising the puppies for sale in the Reno-Gazette Journal for the last few weeks. On Tuesday a couple had stopped by to look at the $1,800 puppies, but did not buy one. Arlene and Ross Harwood suspect this is the couple who broke into their house.

What a sad story, these thieves need to be caught.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact detectives at (775)334-2115. Secret Witness is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects. They can be reached at (775)322-4900.