2 suspected of stealing doggy day care van in River West caught on camera
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The thieves who stole a doggy day care van with seven dogs inside were caught on camera in Chicago's River West neighborhood as they took off.
Investigators released surveillance video of two men getting into the minivan that was left idling and unattended in the 800-block of West Superior Street around 4 p.m. Wednesday.
RAW VIDEO: Doggy day care van left running, unlocked
Initial reports said the vehicle was stolen at gunpoint. But there is no clear view of a firearm in the video. Police said the gun was pointed at a witness who tried to intervene.
The van was spotted on the Near South Side with all seven dogs inside late Thursday morning. Daisy Bowers is credited with finding the dogs. She noticed the stolen van parked across from her home in the South Loop. Bowers said a dog was sitting at the wheel, looking like it wanted to say, "Come get me!"
RAW VIDEO: Watch the moment stolen dogs are rescued
The animals were cold after spending a night without their owners, but otherwise unharmed. Their owners were relieved to reclaim their beloved pets at Urban Out-Sitters.
"There really aren't words to describe how good this is. The emotional roller coaster, the anger and frustration that someone would steal a van full of dogs and point a gun at a decent person and the humanity that at least they were found, they didn't hurt them and we're all getting our dogs back. So, there is still good in the world," said Laura Potts, who owns Kayla, one of the dogs inside the van.
WATCH: Urban Out Sitters 'love the dogs like family,' owner says
Potts has been a client at Urban Out Sitters since she got Kayla four years ago. She told ABC7 Eyewitness News that the employees love the pets they care for like family. She said that in the winter, they sometimes leave the car running when dropping off each dog to keep the others warm. Potts said the most important thing for her is that the dogs are home safe. She thanked Bowers for spotting Kayla and the boxer in the front seat and helping to reunite the animals with their owners.
Urban Out-Sitters said it is launching a program next month to equip all animals with GPS on their collars. Business vehicles are also expected to have GPS.
Police are still searching for the men suspected of stealing the van.
PHOTOS: Van stolen with dogs inside
