Blessing Aoci Found Safe, 5 Arrested

Missing Persons Alert

A missing 4-year-old girl who was the subject of an Amber Alert in Rock Island on Thursday morning has been found safe.

Rock Island police said Blessing Aoci was located and reunited with her mother, and that she would be evaluated by EMS.

Arrests Made After Amber Alert

What we know:

The incident happened around 6:07 a.m. in the 1300 block of 14th 1/2 Street when a brown Saturn Outlook was left running with Blessing in a car seat in the back. About 14 minutes later, the vehicle was found near 8th Street and 15th Avenue, but Blessing was not inside. Additionally, police said there was no car seat located in the vehicle when it was found.

Authorities issued an Amber Alert in Blessing’s disappearance.

Officers canvassed the area for Blessing while several other police agencies deployed drones for the search.

A short time later, search efforts were focused on the blocks surrounding where the car was stolen, authorities said.

Blessing Located

Blessing was found at 2:53 p.m. “nearby and in apparent good health,” according to Rock Island police. She was reunited with her mother before being transported to Unity Point Trinity for evaluation.

Several Arrests Made

Rock Island police made several arrests in connection with this case, including four juveniles.

Jaron Bailey-Harris, 18, was arrested on charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a stolen vehicle.

These four juveniles were also apprehended:

• 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

What They’re Saying

“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. 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,” said Rock Island Police Chief Tim McCloud.

Vehicles Stolen

In addition to this incident, police said there were several vehicles that were stolen overnight in the area, and many have not been recovered. Because of this, police said it is possible that Blessing was transported to another vehicle.

The vehicles that have not been recovered include:

• Gray Nissan Rogue with Virginia license plate: UVV4867; stolen out of Davenport around 5 a.m.
• Black Kia Sportage; stolen out of Rock Island around midnight
• Tan Chevy Malibu with Iowa license plate: MMU635; stolen out of Rock Island around 5:26 a.m.
• White Dodge Dart with Illinois license plate BG92693

Conclusion

The successful recovery of Blessing Aoci is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies, concerned citizens, and media organizations. We are grateful that this incident had a positive outcome, and we hope that this story serves as a reminder of the importance of cooperation and swift action in times of crisis.

FAQs

Q: What happened in the incident?
A: A 4-year-old girl, Blessing Aoci, was reported missing after a brown Saturn Outlook was left running with her in a car seat in the back. The vehicle was later found, but Blessing was not inside.

Q: How was Blessing found?
A: Blessing was found at 2:53 p.m. “nearby and in apparent good health,” according to Rock Island police.

Q: Who was arrested in connection with the incident?
A: Four juveniles and one adult, Jaron Bailey-Harris, 18, were arrested in connection with the incident.

Q: What vehicles were stolen in the area?
A: Several vehicles were stolen overnight in the area, including a gray Nissan Rogue, a black Kia Sportage, a tan Chevy Malibu, and a white Dodge Dart.