Belvidere Police Release New Information on Thursday’s Attempted Child Abduction
On Friday, Belivere Police issued an alert to it's residents and the public in reference to an attempted child abduction that occurred on Thursday. Late Monday morning, police issued an update on the investigation.
According to police, at approximately 4 pm on Thursday, several children were playing in front of one of the residences in the 1500 block of Wildrose. A driver of a white Dodge Intrepid stopped and told the children to get in his car.
The children, who encountered this individual ran away and were safe. When police arrived 30 minutes later the vehicle was no where to be found and police began an investigation.
Belvidere Police received many leads from the public after the story was reported. Police released the following statement:
Thanks to all the concerned citizens that responded with leads on the Attempted Child Abduction investigation. Because of the communities help the Belvidere Police Dept. was able to determine who the driver of the White Dodge Intrepid was. Detectives have conducted several interviews including the driver of the Intrepid.
At this time we are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the encounter with the children on Wildrose and the police department will update the community if we develop additional information that this or any other person poses a threat to our children.
Again, the Belvidere Police Department would like to thank all those who provided information.
It is unclear if anyone was arrested, or is in custody as a result of this incident.
Belvidere Police also want to remind the community that it is very important that parents talk to their children and teach them what to do if they ever encounter a situation like this.
Police remind parents that say that children who escaped their would-be abductors did something proactive. It is suggested the child screams and yells to draw attention and run away, as opposed to being passive or polite. They also remind parents that if you send someone different to pick your child up, have a predesignated password so your child knows they are safe to go with that person.
Belvidere Police have assured the community it will keep the community up-to-date as the investigation continues, and are publicly thanking members of the public who stepped up to provide information.
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