EATON COUNTY, Mich. — A Michigan man tried to hide a puppy in his pants after he was involved in a car accident Wednesday, investigators said.

Animal control officers recognized the 4-week-old German shepherd puppy as one that had been reported stolen recently, the Eaton County Sheriff's Office said.

The puppy was returned to its owner and its mother.

The would-be thief has not been identified. Authorities are working with Ingham County on their criminal case.

Three other puppies from that litter were stolen. They all have been recovered and safely returned.