West Suburban Bureau

Stolen Van Found But Dog Still Missing

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (STNG) ― A minivan stolen last month in Naperville has been found on the South Side of Chicago, but the 13-year-old Labrador retriever that was inside the van when it was stolen remains missing.

Lilly, a black Lab, was in Gene Voss's dark green 2001 Chevrolet Venture when it was stolen about 9:15 a.m. on Sept. 24 from outside his dry cleaning business, One-Hour Martinizing at 215 E. Ogden Ave. in the western suburb.

The van was found Monday on the 9400 block of South Calumet Avenue in Chicago, according to Naperville Police Cmdr. Dave Hoffman. "There was no evidence of the dog inside the van." however, Hoffman said.

Naperville police checked with a Chicago Animal Control facility not far from where the van was found, but the dog had not been brought in, Hoffman said. "The dog is still missing."

Lilly has difficulty walking and may be in need of significant medical attention, according to police. She was not wearing a collar or tags.

A witness told police a woman entered the van and drove off east on Ogden. She was described as a white female, 25 to 30, about 5-foot-5 with thin build and blond hair, last seen wearing a light-colored top, shorts and dark-rimmed glasses, Hoffman said.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at (630) 420-6006. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for the dog's return.

(Source: Sun-Times News Group Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2008. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

---