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Police: Aurora man stole minivan from Naperville hospital

A 21-year-old Aurora man is facing charges after authorities say he stole a vehicle from Edward Hospital in Naperville.

Luis J. Espinoza, of the 3000 block of Bar Harbour Road, has been charged with felony unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle, criminal damage to property and aggravated driving while license revoked, according to Naperville police and DuPage County court records.

Police say the theft took place after Espinoza, who was in the hospital for unknown reasons, was released on Saturday. Cmdr. Lou Cammiso said Espinoza approached a security officer about a ride home, and the officer told him to check with the hospital concierge.

Espinoza instead found a gold 2000 Plymouth Voyager, which Cammiso said was unlocked and unattended while its driver made a delivery to the hospital.

Using video surveillance footage, Cammiso said the security guard determined Espinoza was in the area of the Voyager at the time it was stolen. Police then questioned Espinoza at his home and took him into custody.

Court records say Espinoza is accused of driving the Plymouth recklessly and without permission after he took it from the hospital, causing between $300 and $10,000 worth of damage.

His bail was set at $30,000, meaning he would have to pay $3,000 bond to be released.

Espinoza is next due in DuPage County court Feb. 27.

• Daily Herald staff writer Justin Kmitch contributed to this report.

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