ROCK ISLAND, IL — An 18-year-old man and four teenagers have been charged after a car theft turned into a frightening ordeal when a 4-year-old girl was abducted along with the vehicle, according to Rock Island police.
It all began early Thursday morning, just after 6 a.m., when a brown Saturn Outlook was stolen from the 1300 block of 14 ½ Street. What made the situation even more alarming was that little Blessing Aoci was still in the back seat of the running car. Police were on the scene quickly, launching a search for the vehicle and the child. About 15 minutes later, they found the stolen car near 8th Street and 15th Avenue. The car was empty, and Blessing’s booster seat was missing.
The Rock Island Police Department wasted no time spreading the word. They posted Blessing’s photo and information about the case on Facebook, where it was shared 43,000 times. Soon after, the Illinois State Police issued an Amber Alert, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency sent out notifications to cell phones through its emergency alert system.
A command post was set up near the area where the car was stolen, and search teams began combing the neighborhood for Blessing. Police from Rock Island, Moline, and other nearby departments, along with the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office, used drones to help in the search. Officers and volunteers worked tirelessly, going door-to-door and searching homes and properties near the scene.
The response was massive. Agencies like the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and several local police departments joined in. Neighbors and volunteers came out in large numbers to help. For nearly nine hours, the search continued with no sign of Blessing.
Finally, at around 2:53 p.m., there was a breakthrough. Blessing was found in an alley not far from where the car was stolen. Thankfully, she appeared to be in good health. She was quickly reunited with her mother and taken to Unity Point Health-Trinity Rock Island by the Rock Island Fire Department for a medical evaluation.
The police have since arrested five people in connection with the incident. Jaron Bailey-Harris, an 18-year-old, is facing charges for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a stolen vehicle. Four juveniles were also arrested:
- A 16-year-old boy was charged with kidnapping and possession of a stolen vehicle.
- Another 16-year-old boy was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle.
- A 15-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl were also charged with possession of a stolen vehicle.
Rock Island Police Chief Tim McCloud praised the collaborative efforts of everyone involved. “This could have ended in a terrible tragedy, but we saw what’s possible when local, state, and federal agencies work together with the community and media,” he said. “I’m truly grateful to everyone who played a part in bringing Blessing home safely.”
The case is still under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Rock Island Police Department at 309-732-2677, Crime Stoppers at 309-762-9500, or the P3 Tips app.
