Authorities have arrested a Florida man accused of stealing a deployed U.S. airman’s vehicle and beloved husky before allegedly abandoning the dog inside the stolen car, where it was later found dead weeks later.

Andrew Jansen, 28, was taken into custody in Miami-Dade County after investigators linked him to the disappearance of 11-year-old husky Maverick and a stolen Subaru belonging to Andrew Beckham.

According to reports, Beckham had hired Jansen through TrustedHousesitters to care for his Colorado home and dog while he was deployed overseas with the U.S. Air Force earlier this year.

The incident reportedly began in April when doorbell camera footage captured Jansen leaving Beckham’s home in Aurora with Maverick before driving away in Beckham’s Subaru Forester.

After losing contact with the house sitter, Beckham alerted authorities and rushed back to Colorado to assist in the search for his missing dog and vehicle.

Weeks later, the heartbreaking discovery was made when police located the abandoned Subaru inside a gated garage at a luxury apartment complex in Denver. Maverick was found dead inside the vehicle.

Beckham later revealed that the husky appeared to have suffered while trapped inside the car for an extended period. Authorities are still investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the dog’s death and how long the vehicle remained abandoned before it was discovered.

The emotional case quickly gained attention online as Beckham shared tributes and memorials dedicated to Maverick, including paw prints, locks of fur, and artwork honoring the longtime companion.

Investigators say Jansen eventually fled Colorado and was later located in Florida. He was arrested at a hospital in Miami-Dade County and is currently being held on an out-of-state warrant while awaiting extradition back to Colorado.

Authorities confirmed that Aurora police issued warrants connected to felony motor vehicle theft and general theft charges. Additional charges could potentially follow as the investigation continues.

Beckham expressed relief following the arrest but also frustration that he was reportedly not immediately informed when Jansen was taken into custody.

The case has also raised concerns about online house-sitting and pet-care services. Beckham urged pet owners to carefully research individuals hired through digital platforms and to remain cautious when entrusting strangers with their homes and animals.

In response to the incident, TrustedHousesitters stated that the company is cooperating with authorities and remains in contact with Beckham as the investigation moves forward.

The tragic death of Maverick has sparked widespread sympathy online, with many calling for stronger vetting systems and accountability within pet-sitting services.