Police in Riverdale, Illinois, are searching for a man accused of kidnapping four children early Saturday morning.
According to the Riverdale Police Department, officers responded around 1:30 a.m. on October 25 to a report of a domestic-related kidnapping on the 13600 block of Lowe Avenue. Investigators say the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Austin Bell, allegedly took off in a 2010 silver Acura with four children inside — 10-year-old Nia Hill, and 7-year-old triplets Nolan, Nova, and Noah Hill.
An Amber Alert was issued soon after, and authorities confirmed later that morning that all four children had been found safe. The kids were taken for medical evaluations as a precaution, though police did not share details on how or where they were recovered.
Police say Bell is not the father of the children. When last seen, he was reportedly wearing a black varsity jacket with white stitching.
Riverdale Police Chief Mark Kozeluh said in a statement that officers were using “every available resource” to locate the children and bring them home safely. “We are working closely with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, as well as the community, to follow every lead and spare no effort,” Kozeluh said. “Our priority is the safe return of these children.”
Authorities have not yet said whether the silver Acura used in the alleged kidnapping has been located, and Austin Bell remains at large as of Saturday morning.
Anyone with information about Bell’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Riverdale Police Department Detective Division at (708) 841-2203.
