'I am optimistic' | DC woman is hoping to find her three missing cats after they were stolen along with her car

WASHINGTON — A search was underway Saturday night for three cats stolen from a DC woman’s car.

The incident happened Thursday night in the 2600 block of Newton Street in Northeast.

Paige Levenberg and her boyfriend were devastated.

“This is Scoot or Tootie and this is Winkie Dickerson she’s got a cleft ear,” owner Paige Levenberg said. She handed out and posted flyers Saturday with pictures of her three cats in hopes of answers.

In the middle of moving out, Levenberg said her car was stolen. It was parked in front of their Northeast DC home and inside were her three cats.

“I had loaded the cats inside their carry in my car which was parked next to the moving truck,” Levenberg said. “Went back in to lock up and when I turned around, came out the front door and saw my license plate speeding away.”

She says she left the car running for the air condition.

The couple was able to obtain video from a neighbor’s home shows what appears to be Levenberg’s car making a quick U-turn before pulling off. She said she was able to track the car on the ‘My BMW App’ and police found it in an alley in Southeast — but her cats weren’t there.

So she turned to social media for help. Saturday, she got a call from someone who spotted her cat carrier in the Deanwood area in Northeast. 

“We know it’s the exact carrier because it also had their toys that we had put in there,” Levenberg said.

When they arrived to 1600 block of Eastern Ave. in Capital Heights they still couldn’t find Tiny, Scoot or Winkie.

After sharing her story on social media, she’s had friends come out, family and even strangers here behind me now that are helping her search. Her post on TikTok has already gained over 200,000 views.

“I would do anything for you guys, I can’t believe you’re even here. I really, I never could’ve imagined we’d have this much support, in the neighborhood too, everyone’s been so amazing,” Levenberg said.

WUSA 9 asked Levenberg what would it mean to find her cats?

“Everything, everything. Oh my God,” Levenberg said. “I am optimistic and I’m so excited I would love to give someone a cash reward or if someone doesn’t want the cash reward I’ll donate to their favorite animal shelter.”

The DC couple said they were really excited to move to Virginia to be closer to family and start the next part of their lives. Now they're hoping to find their furry friends to feel at home again. 

If you have any information concerning this case, you are asked to contact MPD. Everyone is asked to call 202-727-9099 or text 50411.

Meanwhile a group of supporters’ plan on helping search for the cats again on Sunday.  Anyone with information about the cats or if you’ve seen them, you can call 703-981-3826.