Niketa Patel, a driver from Niles, Illinois, experienced a distressing encounter of theft at a Costco gas station, 7311 N. Melvina Ave. in Niles. Her car was stolen and she was dragged by the thief.
Despite the severity of the incident, the car carries significant value for Patel, as it was a gift from her late son, Akash.
This incident is a part of a larger pattern, as the Niles Police Department reported three car thefts and two attempted thefts at the same gas station. Drivers were victimized while they had engines running during refueling.
For drivers' safety, carefully disconnect the engine and carry their keys while refueling, police urged. During her interview with NBC Chicago, Niketa resonated the same, stating, "I think we need to be more alert, especially in this city."
A poignant aspect of the incident is the theft of a car that was a sentimental gift from a son to his mother.
