Chicago family seeks help finding beloved tricolored pit bull stolen at gunpoint
CHICAGO (CBS) – A family from the West Side is asking for the public's help after their beloved pit bull was taken at gunpoint.
It happened when the puppy was taken for a walk. The thieves in the case may be linked to other crimes where they used a stolen vehicle as their getaway car.
CBS 2's Andrew Ramos had the story from East Garfield Park.
"I think they were in shock too the first night, but now every night, it's gotten worse and worse, and it's like, 'When is he going to come home?'" said the dog's owner, who asked to remain anonymous.
It's been nearly a week since Hiro, the 7-month-old tricolored Merle pit bull, has been home with his family. The puppy was out on a walk with a family member just after midnight early Friday when he was taken at gunpoint by three armed men.
The owner told CBS 2 her cousin was walking the dog when he was held up near the corner of Talman and Maypole in East Garfield Park.
"It was three men who jumped out with guns," the owner said. "One had an extended clip."
The owner added, "The only words to them he said was, 'You are taking this dog from a little girl, because my daughter is 8,' and they didn't care."
The trio of offenders fled in what police described as a gray vehicle. The family said they provided license plate information to authorities and were told the car was stolen and used in a number of crimes the previous day, although police have not confirmed that claim.
The suspects were all minor.
"It hurt my heart a little bit," the owner said. "I almost wanted to seek help for them, and not punishment in a sense."
As of Tuesday, it was still unclear where Hiro was.
After the family shared their story on social media, a couple of tips were posted on local Facebook community pages, including one with a possible sighting.
The family only wants their "hero" to come home.
"He does belong to two little kids who miss him very much," the owner said. "So I would just urge anyone to please put themselves in their shoes."
Even as they approached a full week since they last saw Hiro, the family remained hopeful that someone recognized his distinguishable colors and face to return him.
Anyone with a tip about Hiro's whereabouts can call police or direct message Ramos on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @AndrewRamosTV.