‘Tears of joy': Jabal, beloved Brooklyn bodega cat, returned after community uproar

On Thursday morning in Brooklyn, Jabal, a three-month-old cat from the Eighth Street Mini Market in Park Slope, was taken by a couple who approached him when the store wasn't open yet. Surveillance footage showed the pair grabbing Jabal despite a neighbor's attempt to stop them and warn that he belonged to the bodega. The incident sparked outrage online, with Imad "Jimmy" Innab, the bodega owner, offering a $500 reward for Jabal’s safe return.

Days later, after an intense community search, Mary Sierra admitted to taking Jabal but claimed she believed him to be a stray and that the store wasn’t open. Despite her assertions of innocence, Sierra was arrested on charges including petty larceny and criminal possession of stolen property. Eventually, she or someone related to her returned Jabal to the NYPD, who then delivered the cat back to Innab.

The emotional reunion between Innab and Jabal occurred on Tuesday morning when police brought the kitten back to the store, leading to an overwhelming outpouring of relief and joy from both the owner and his supporters. Innab expressed gratitude towards the community for their dedication in ensuring that his beloved pet was returned safely.