Skokie Woman Charged with Kidnapping Therapy Dog

A Skokie woman has been charged with kidnapping a 7-month-old therapy dog, the Niles Police Department said Wednesday.

According to officials, detectives “painstakingly reviewed hours of videotape footage” that was obtained from surveillance cameras around the crime scene. The Pomeranian puppy named “Luigi” was stolen from an unlocked car outside Fresh Farms Market, 5740 W. Touhy Ave., police said.

Adina Tiran, 33, of the 4000 block of Mulford Street, was charged with one count of burglary to auto, a Class 2 Felony. If found guilty the penalty is three to seven years in prison and a fine up to $25,000, police said.

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.

A collar that held Luigi’s name and rabies tag was also recovered. Luigi was released to his grateful owner Wednesday morning.

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