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The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Fugitive's Dog 'Lucky' Will Be Returned to Rightful Owner

WEST VILLAGE — He is one lucky dog.

Lucky, the black Labrador retriever that had been living with accused child molester Charles Mozdir, will be returned to his original owner after two years living with the 32-year-old fugitive, who was shot dead by police Monday in a Greenwich Village shootout.

The 2-year-old male dog appeared to be in good spirits, wagging his tail and responding to reporters who called his name, at the 6th Precinct on West 10th Street Wednesday afternoon.

"We have been in contact with the rightful owner and the dog will be reunited with his rightful owner soon," an NYPD spokesman said. The owner was not identified by name.

Mozdir, who was arrested for allegedly molesting a boy he was babysitting, took Lucky when he went on the run in 2012 after skipping a court appearance in California, police said.

Until he heads back, Lucky will be cared for by the NYPD Bomb Squad's 6th Precinct facility for bomb squad dogs.

The detective involved in the shooting, Mario Muniz, was released Wednesday from Bellevue Hospital.

He underwent emergency surgery after being shot in the abdomen below his bulletproof vest.

Investigators have seized Mozdir's computer and are seeking a subpoena to examine it to determine if it contains child pornography — or if the dead man had been in contact with minors, according to sources.