An Amber Alert has been sounded for a four-year-old girl named Blessing, who vanished when her mother's car was stolen in Illinois. Authorities have located the vehicle, but regrettably, the youngster remains missing, according to police reports.
On Thursday, January 16th, the Rock Island Police Department issued a press release revealing that the car was taken at approximately 6:07 am from the 1300 block of 14th 1/2 Street. The vehicle had been left running, with Blessing securely buckled in her car seat in the back.
Just eighteen minutes later, at 6:24 am, the car was discovered – but Blessing was nowhere to be seen. "At present, the whereabouts of the child remain unknown," stated the press release.
Officials emphasized that every conceivable resource was being mobilized to locate the missing tot. This included support from neighboring law enforcement agencies, door-to-door searches, and aerial searches utilizing drones from the RIPD, Rock Island County Sheriff's Department, and Moline Police Department.
Blessing, described as a three-foot-tall Black girl weighing 50 pounds, has become the focus of an intense search operation. During a press conference, a police spokesperson announced that an Amber Alert had been issued at 6:42 am. Notably, the car seat was missing when the vehicle was found.
The official also noted a recent surge in vehicle thefts overnight. When asked if the theft was premeditated to abduct the child, the chief suggested that while nothing was being ruled out, it was more likely an "accident" that Blessing was in the car at the time.
"We're appealing to anyone with information, even if they wish to remain anonymous, to come forward with any details about where the child might have been taken from the car or her current location," he continued. He added that police were hopeful she was safe and sound in a nearby home.
The spokesperson also urged the public not to judge the child's mother, pointing out that the incident unfolded in a matter of seconds. Those with relevant information are strongly encouraged to contact the police, with the option to remain anonymous.
