Chicago Officers to the Rescue on Couple's Wedding Day
Dec. 10--CHICAGO -- Thieves almost got in the way of a big wedding day for a couple in Chicago, but a pair of alert police officers saved the day.
He's from Iowa. She's from Thailand. They asked us not to use their names.
The couple met online two years ago, and after seven months of trying to secure a visa, she arrived in the United States Thursday morning. He thought Chicago would be a romantic place to tie the knot.
Later that night, his car, a 2008 Kia Optima, was stolen near Belmont and Clark. All of her luggage was inside. Her wedding gown was in the trunk.
Officer John McKenna and Officer Paul Sandoval were driving on the west side when they spotted the suspicious-looking car.
"We just observed the passenger side window broken, which has been a red flag for stolen vehicles" said McKenna.
The officers quickly ran the plates, confirmed that the car was stolen, and took the driver into custody. Some of the luggage was gone, but the wedding gown was still in the trunk.
"We really appreciate all they did for us. I was expecting not to see it again," said the groom.
The officers personally delivered the car and the dress to its rightful owners early Saturday, with just a few hours to spare.
"As soon as she saw the wedding dress, she was ecstatic. it was a good feeling," said Sandoval.
At 9:30am Saturday morning, the couple exchanged vows at Chicago's City Hall. The newlyweds will celebrate their wedding with a reception in Iowa.
Milus Hendricks is charged with misdemeanor trespass to a vehicle. Investigators couldn't prove that he was the one who actually stole the car.
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