Jaxon has been missing since Nov. 26. (Facebook)

By Nigel Maxwell

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The investigation into a vehicle theft in Watson that grabbed provincial attention because a family’s dog was in the back seat, has an update.

Lawrence Desjarlais, 27, from Fishing Lake First Nation was arrested on Jan. 9 and is facing one count of vehicle theft. He is scheduled to appeared in court in Humboldt on Feb. 24.

The case dates back to Nov. 26, when the Jeep Compass was left unlocked and running outside a grocery store.

Carla Lepp and her husband had ran inside to get a few items, while their dog Jaxon remained behind and waited.

The reason why the vehicle had been left running was that in addition to ensuring Jaxon was kept warm, the couple only had one key. Prior to leaving their home in Quill Lake, the vehicle also required a boost to get started, and there was a concern if they turned it off again, they would not be able to get it going again.

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The store’s security camera showed a man in the parking lot checking door handles, and he had also been in the store about 30 minutes prior buying doughnuts.

On Dec. 4, the vehicle was found at Fishing Lake First Nation, but there was no trace of the dog.

Speaking with paNOW on Friday, Carla Lepp confirmed the search for Jaxon continues and the man caught is not talking.

“It’s truly heartbreaking,” she said.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell