Thieves Swipe 10-Year-Old Pup From Car Outside West Ridge Target

A tense search is underway in West Ridge after a 10-year-old chihuahua/beagle mix named Baby was stolen from a car parked outside the Target on the 2100 block of West Peterson Avenue on Wednesday, June 10. The dog's owner is offering a $1,000 cash reward for Baby's safe return and is pleading for tips from neighbors and shoppers.

Chicago police said the theft happened around noon in the Target parking lot, when someone broke into a vehicle and took Baby from inside. Investigators described the suspect as a Black male between 25 and 35 years old, about 6 feet to 6 feet 4 inches tall, and weighing 160 to 180 pounds, with long dreadlocks and wearing a white tank top, blue jeans, and white shoes, according to ABC7 Chicago.

Owner And Police Ask For Tips

The owner wrote on social media that witnesses reported seeing people going through cars in the lot before speeding away in a blue Nissan Rogue, missing a driver's-side hubcap. The license plates were not legible on camera. The owner is offering $1,000 and is asking anyone with information to call Area Three detectives at 312-744-8263 or to contact the owner directly at 574-275-8660, as reported by CBS Chicago.

Community Response And Similar Cases

Across Chicago, neighbors have often turned to social media, door-to-door flyers and cash rewards to help track down missing pets, and locals say moving quickly can make a real difference. In one high-profile case last year, volunteers and reward money helped reunite a stolen service dog named Bam Bam with a blind owner after weeks of searching, according to FOX 32 Chicago.

If you see Baby, do not chase the animal; call the police or the owner's tip line so officers can respond safely. Pet owners are also urged to avoid leaving animals unattended in vehicles and to make sure pets are microchipped and registered with up-to-date contact information.