Police Recover Therapy Dog, Suspect Charged With Felony

Niles Police released the following statement:

On April 4th, 2013 at 1:15 am. Niles Police Investigators located and recovered the stolen 7-month old Pomeranian puppy named “Luigi” from a residence in the 4000 Block of Mulford, Skokie.

Niles Police investigators painstakingly reviewed hours of video-tape footage obtained from the surveillance cameras from stores around the theft. Niles Police investigators were able to identify and link two vehicles used in the crime to a Skokie residence.

Niles Police investigators went to the Skokie location and located a female subject who was exiting a rear door, holding “Luigi” in her arms. The female, along with “Luigi” were transported back to the Niles Police Department for further investigation.

At the Niles Police Department investigators confirmed that the female was the offender who had removed 7 month old Pomeranian puppy from the victim’s vehicle while it was parked in the lot of Fresh Farms Market, 5740 W. Touhy Ave, Niles on April 1st, 2013 at approximately 1:58 P.M.

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office was contacted and one count of Felony Burglary to Auto was approved. “Luigi”, other than being renamed “Foxy” by the offender appeared to be in good health and there were no apparent signs of abuse. A collar that held Luigi’s name and rabies tag was also recovered. “Luigi” was released to his grateful owner early this morning.

It should be note that “Luigi” is a “therapy dog” that is used by the victim’s two children.

They charged Adina Tiran, 33, of the 4000 block of Mulford, Skokie, with one count of Burglary to Auto (a Class 2 Felony). If found guilty the penalty is 3-7 years and a fine up to $25,000.