Police handed back a stolen kitten to its bodega owner in Park Slope on Tuesday morning, ending a brief but noticeable disappearance. The animal, a mouser known locally as Jabal, had been taken from the small neighborhood shop owned by Imad Innab. After a short search, officers located the kitten and returned it to the storefront, where the owner was waiting.
The recovery took place on September 15, 2026, when police responded to a report of the missing cat. The department’s efforts led to the identification of the kitten’s whereabouts, allowing officers to bring Jabal back to the bodega. The incident was limited to the theft and subsequent return; no further details about the circumstances of the theft or the location where the cat was found were disclosed.
For Innab, the return of Jabal was a relief, as the cat had become a familiar presence in the shop, helping to control rodents and offering a friendly face to regular customers. The quick resolution demonstrates the department’s responsiveness to community concerns, even those involving small pets.
Local residents observed the reunion, noting that the bodega’s atmosphere returned to normal as Jabal resumed its routine of patrolling the aisles. The incident underscores the role that animals play in neighborhood businesses and the importance placed on their welfare by both owners and law‑enforcement officers.
Police have not released further information about the investigation, and no arrests have been reported. The bodega continues to operate as usual, with Jabal once again serving as the shop’s unofficial mascot.