By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com
Folsom police have collared two people suspected of trying to extort money from a woman in exchange for the return of her Chihuahua.
Police said that Britney Parkerton's dog, Roo (left), escaped from her car Saturday night when she stopped for fuel at a Union 76 station on Iron Point Road.
Roo, who had a micro chip and identification collar, fell into the hands of a stranger, according to police. A man later called Parkerton and said he would be happy to return her dog.
However, police said, the man said he wanted $200 or Parkerton would never see Roo again.
That demand prompted Parkerton to call Folsom police. Police devised a plan in which they offered the stranger $600 if he returned Roo to Folsom.
An agreement was reached, and nearly four hours after Roo disappeared, a black Chevrolet Camaro drove into the same gas station where Parkerton last saw her dog. One suspect put Roo into Parkerton's car and removed an envelope with the requested ransom.
A block away from the gas station, police stopped the Camaro and arrested Adonison Gunther(far left), 31, of Oakland and Marisa Jackson (left), 21, of Elk Grove.
The suspects said they were simply helpful citizens, but police said text and telephone messages tell a different story. Gunther and Jackson were booked into Sacramento County Jail on suspicion of extortion, possession of stolen property and conspiracy.
Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079.
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