A story that we typically see end in extreme tragedy, ended with the best possible outcome in Illinois on Thursday.

At approximately 6:07 a.m. Thursday morning, Rock Island police say a brown Saturn Outlook bearing Illinois plates “EP98549” was stolen on the 1300 block of 14th 1/2 ST while it was left running with 4-year-old Blessing Aoci in a car seat in the back seat.

The vehicle was located at approximately 14 minutes later at 6:24 a.m. in the area of 8th ST and 15th Avenue.

Rock Island Police Department via Facebook
Rock Island Police Department via Facebook
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At the request of the Rock Island Police Department, the Illinois Amber Alert Notification System has been activated. The information was later sent out to cell phones by the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Several law enforcement agencies, volunteers, and neighbors assisted in searching for Blessing. Drones were even used to canvas the area where the stolen car she was in was found.

For almost nine hours, teams of law enforcement and volunteers combed the neighborhood with no sign of Blessing, until shortly before 3 p.m.

Video posted publicly to share on Facebook via Stain Madoff

At approximately 2:53 p.m., while in the area, Blessing was located nearby and in apparent good health. She was immediately reunited with her mother and then transported by the Rock Island Fire Department to Unity Point Trinity for evaluation.

The Rock Island Police announced Blessing has been found right at 3 p.m. via social media.

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Rock Island Police Department
Rock Island Police Department
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Jaron Bailey-Harris, 18 years of age, was arrested and charged with Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle.

Additionally, four juveniles were apprehended for the following charges:

  • Juvenile #1, a 16-year old Hispanic male – Kidnapping and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
  • Juvenile #2, a 16-year old Black male – Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
  • Juvenile #3, a 15-year old Black female – Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
  • Juvenile #4, a 14-year old Black female – Possession of a Stolen Vehicle

“While this incident had the high potential to become an unbelievable tragedy, it ultimately resulted in the best possible outcome, due large in part to the incredibly cooperative efforts between the Quad City, State and Federal Law Enforcement agencies working side by side with concerned citizens and our media organizations," said Rock Island Police Chief Tim McCloud. "I’m proud to have seen what we can accomplish when we all work together toward a common goal, and you all have my most sincere gratitude.”

Assisting in the search were personnel from the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Department, Moline Police Department, Milan Police Department, Davenport Police Department, Illinois State Police, FBI, the United States Marshals Service, and countless neighbors and volunteers. This case remains under investigation and more information will be released as it becomes available.

All I can say is it's great to see a story like this come to an end with a baby safe and reunited with her family.

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