Man charged in pet boarding van theft in Lincoln Park

Suspect accused of stealing van full of dogs from pet salon

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A 46-year-old man has been charged with multiple felonies, including possessing a stolen vehicle and animal cruelty, after allegedly stealing a van full of dogs from a pet boarding salon in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood on Tuesday morning.

Why it matters

Thefts of vehicles containing pets can be traumatic for both the animals and their owners, raising concerns about public safety and animal welfare. This incident highlights the need for heightened security measures at pet care facilities and the importance of swift law enforcement response to such crimes.

The details

According to police, Edwin Herrera was charged after the van, which belonged to Markay's Castle of the Dogs in Tippecanoe, Indiana, was stolen around 11 a.m. outside the Animal Loves Pet Salon on N. Clybourn Avenue. The owner, David Cox, was dropping off dogs at the salon when someone got into the van and drove away. Police later tracked down the van in an alley in the nearby Lakeview neighborhood, where they found all the dogs as well as some stolen lawn equipment. The suspect had also switched the van's Indiana license plates to Illinois plates.

  • The theft occurred around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
  • Police later recovered the van in an alley near Lakewood and Oakdale avenues in Lakeview.

The players

Edwin Herrera

A 46-year-old man charged with multiple felonies, including possessing a stolen vehicle and animal cruelty, in relation to the theft of the pet boarding van.

David Cox

The owner of Markay's Castle of the Dogs in Tippecanoe, Indiana, who was dropping off dogs at the Animal Loves Pet Salon when the van was stolen.

Animal Loves Pet Salon

The pet boarding facility located in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood where the van was stolen.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Thursday whether to grant bail for Edwin Herrera.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for heightened security measures at pet care facilities to protect the safety and well-being of animals in their care. It also highlights the trauma experienced by pet owners when their beloved companions are unexpectedly separated from them, emphasizing the importance of swift law enforcement response to such crimes.