Andrew Jansen went to Colorado to take care of Maverick after being hired by the dog’s owner.
Police flyer
A Palmetto Bay man was taken into custody early Saturday morning in connection with the death of a deployed airman’s dog, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say Andrew Lee Jansen, 28, was wanted in Aurora, Colorado, for allegedly stealing a car and personal belongings belonging to a U.S. serviceman who is deployed overseas. Investigators said the serviceman had hired Jansen to care for his dog while he was away.
The dog was later found dead inside the stolen vehicle, deputies said.
According to Miami Herald news partner CBS News Miami, Andrew Beckham picked Jansen through the online platform TrustedHousesitters.com and hired him after learning he would be deployed with the Colorado Air National Guard for three months.
About a month into the deployment, Beckham reportedly lost contact with Jansen. Roughly a month after Beckham’s husky, Maverick, disappeared, Denver police found the dog dead inside the car after becoming trapped there, CBS News Miami reported.
Authorities then issued flyers and BOLOs, or “Be On the Lookout” alerts, for Jansen.
READ MORE: Palmetto Bay man went to Colorado to care for dog. He’s missing. Animal is dead
The case came to a head when Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to Jansen’s home for a medical call involving his father. Officials said Jansen interfered with first responders, prompting deputies to go to the scene. Jansen then fled, authorities said.
After canvassing the area, deputies distributed a BOLO with Jansen’s description to law-enforcement units nearby. An off-duty deputy working at Jackson South Hospital recognized and apprehended Jansen when he arrived to visit his father, who had been transported there by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
Jail records show Jansen is locked up at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center pending extradition and charges.
This story was originally published May 16, 2026 at 3:18 PM.
Milena Malaver
Miami Herald
Milena Malaver covers crime and breaking news for the Miami Herald. She was born and raised in Miami-Dade and is a graduate of Florida International University. She joined the Herald shortly after graduating.
