On the evening of Wednesday, January 12, 2022, the Fairview Heights Police Department received information regarding a parental abduction, which occurred in St Louis County earlier in the day. The information was for the possible whereabouts of the 4-year-old abducted female, and the child’s father, who is also the suspect in the abduction.
Police were able to identify a residence in the 9800 block of Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights, where the suspect and victim may be staying. FHPD Officers went there, however, no one answered the door.
As the investigation continued, police were able to use the suspect’s cell phone number to call him. He initially stated he and his daughter were at a house in St. Louis. However, all the information lead police to believe the suspect and the child were at the Bunkum Road address. Officers from the FHPD continued to negotiate with the man until he later confirmed he was at the Bunkum Road home; he later agreed to surrender with the child.
Officers were able to arrest the man, and remove the child from the home unharmed.
The investigation continues as St. Louis County Police coordinate with the FHPD. The names of the child and suspect are currently being withheld, pending further investigation.
- All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.