Crime & Safety
No Charges Filed In Missing Power Wheels Case
Police plan to return the kids' vehicle to the 4-year-old residents who drive it, authorities said.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL — The Libertyville Police Department has tracked down the Fisher Price Power Wheels Dune Racer that was reportedly taken from outside a school last month.
The kids' vehicle, which belongs to two 4-year-old residents, was parked outside Butterfield School at about 3:40 p.m. on May 15 when a 2018 or 1029 blue Volkswagen Jetta pulled up, and the driver got out to retrieve the vehicle. In a surveillance video shared on the police department's Facebook page last week, the woman can be seen lifting the Power Wheels vehicle and putting it into her trunk. She then drives away.
The woman ended up contacting police to make arrangements to return the toy, Sara Reed, support services supervisor for the Libertyville Police Department, told Patch in an e-mail response.
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The 4-year-old residents were at a playground at the school with their babysitter when the dune racer was taken.
The incident drew outrage from the community. More than 100 people commented on the Libertyville Police Department's Thursday Facebook post, many lamenting on the type of "lowlife" who would take a kids' Power Wheels vehicle.
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"Seriously, who does this," wrote one woman.
On Wednesday, police said the dune racer had been found. Authorities say the person who filed the report did not wish to pursue charges.
"Thank you to everyone who shared the video or sent in tips with information regarding the Power Wheels Dune Racer. We are pleased to report the Dune Racer is in our custody and will be returned to some very happy owners," according to the Wednesday Facebook post.
The news drew more comments on the police department's Facebook page, but this time, they were much more positive.
"Great detective work folks. I love our little town with a big heart," a local woman wrote.
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