Wilmette police have successfully recovered a dog stolen from a local home and arrested a suspect in connection with the theft. According to the Chicago Tribune, the Shih Tzu, named Leon, was reported missing after a burglary on October 10. The suspect, identified as Barbara S. Thomas, 33, was arrested at her Chicago residence on October 17. Along with the dog, police also recovered other property taken from the Wilmette residence.
Emotions were high when the dog, beloved by Marcela Perez Caceres and her family, was allegedly taken from their backyard. In a statement obtained by ABC7 Chicago, Caceres pleaded for the safe return of Leon. She recounted how "the kids will push him in a stroller. He's amazing." The family, having only lived in the area for three months after moving from Colombia, was shaken by the experience, with Caceres unable to bear telling her children the truth of Leon's disappearance.
Following the arrest, Thomas appeared for a detainment hearing on October 18, with a court date yet to be determined. It is important to note that an arrest does not constitute a conviction, as per the Chicago Tribune.
