AMBER Alert for Ill. Girl, 4, Who Was in Mom's Car When It Was Stolen

An Amber Alert has been issued for a missing 4-year-old girl who was inside her mother’s car when it was stolen in Illinois.

The car has since been located, but the child has not, say police.

On Thursday, Jan. 16, the Rock Island Police Department stated in a press release that the vehicle was taken at around 6:07 am from the 1300 block of 14th 1/2 ST. The car was left running with the child in a carseat in the back, say police.

The girl was subsequently found at 6:24 a.m., but the girl was nowhere to be found.

“At this time, the location of the child is unknown,” the release states.

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Officials added, “All available resources are being dedicated to finding the missing child, including assistance from surrounding agencies, door to door canvassing and searching utilizing drones from RIPD, Rock Island County Sheriff’s Department, and Moline Police Department.”

The girl, who is named Blessing, was described as Black, standing at 3 feet tall and weighing 50 lbs.

In a press conference, a police spokesperson said that an Amber Alert was issued at 6:42 am. There was also no car seat found when the vehicle was discovered.

The official also mentioned that there had been a number of stolen vehicles overnight.

Asked if the theft was targeted to involve the kidnapping of the child, the chief said that while the police were not ruling anything out, it was probably “accidental” that Blessing was in the car at the time.

“We’re hoping that there are people, even anonymously, that can give us information about where that child was taken out of the car or where she’s right now,” he continued, before adding that police hope she’s safe in a house nearby.

The spokesperson also cautioned people to “not point fingers” at the child’s mother, noting the incident happened in a matter of seconds.

People with information are encouraged to contact the police and are free to do so anonymously.