Chicago Doggy Day Care Theft: Video Shows Men Stealing Van

The van and dogs were found just before 11 a.m., police said.

ByABC News
February 19, 2015, 9:53 PM

— -- Chicago police released surveillance video today showing two men stealing a doggy day care minivan that was later found with all seven dogs safe inside.

The video from Wednesday afternoon shows the van bump into a wall before one of the suspects puts it in reverse and they drive away. The van was en route home from Urban Out Sitters's doggy day care, a company that offers pet boarding, day care and dog walking services.

The van and the seven dogs were found about 11 a.m. today, said police. No arrests have been made.

The dogs "appear to be fine," according to police.

Tad Tomita, the owner of one of the stolen dogs -- a 3-year-old miniature schnauzer named Mochi -- told ABC News today, "We picked her up from where the van was found. She was cold but extremely happy to see us."

PHOTO: Tad Tomita's 3 year old miniature schnauzer, Mochi, is home safe today after she was recovered on Feb. 19, 2015 in Chicago.
Tad Tomita's 3 year old miniature schnauzer, Mochi, is home safe today after she was recovered on Feb. 19, 2015 in Chicago.

Tomita said his wife texted him saying their dog Mochi had been stolen.

"I didn't understand what that meant," Tomita said. "When I called her and she told me what happened, I couldn't comprehend what was going on. It's so surreal."

A dog named Mochi is shown in this undated photo.
A dog named Mochi is shown in this undated photo.

When a witness tried to intervene, one man drew a gun and pointed it at him, police said. The surveillance video does not show either man brandish a gun.

The van's driver was uninjured during the incident, according to Joseph Giannini, owner of Urban Out Sitters.

A dog named Jaydn is shown in this undated photo.
A dog named Jaydn is shown in this undated photo.

Tomita said he and his mother spent the morning driving around the Southwest side of the city searching for Mochi.

Giannini, who said he also drove around Chicago this morning looking for the van, was especially concerned because of the record-low temperatures. It reached -8 degrees in Chicago overnight.

A dog named Busy is shown in this undated photo.
A dog named Busy is shown in this undated photo.