I like to read the news stories on dailyherald.com – probably because they have much more interesting news than my local newspaper. But hey, that’s not a complaint since more interesting news = more crime to write about. But I grew up in the Chicago area, so when there are interesting stories on dailyherald.com, I know where the town is they’re talking about, which is another reason why I frequent the site. Today’s edition had an interesting (but sad) story:
Naperville police are desperately searching for a missing 12-year-old child who allegedly took the keys to his family car and left the home.
Cmdr. Dave Hoffman of the Naperville Police Department said the child is 5-feet, 8-inches tall, about 140 pounds, has wavy brown hair and brown eyes. He is believed to be wearing gray cargo pants and a white T-shirt and a green winter Army jacket.
Hoffman said the boy allegedly took the keys sometime after 2 a.m., left his house, backed the vehicle out of the garage.
Hoffman added the boy also has a history of sleep walking, but has no history of taking the family vehicle for rides when sleep walking.
The vehicle missing is described as a light blue, 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe with an Illinois registration number of A744198.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Naperville Police Department through 9-1-1 of or contact your local law enforcement agency.
Hopefully this kid is going to be alright. Does a 12-year-old know how to drive, especially in his sleep? At that age, it’s quite possible that he decided to run away also, but he does have a history of sleepwalking. The article fails to mention how they KNOW he took the keys and left – was there a witness? I know where Naperville is; in fact, I used to live there. It’s a nice town, but it’s a dangerous world. I am hoping they find this kid safe and sound. It’s a sad story, but let’s hope there’s a happy ending. I know some of you loyal readers know people who sleepwalk and have interesting tales – let’s hear them!
*UPDATE* – The kid was found safe and sound at O’Hare airport. Apparently he was not sleepwalking but was trying to run away. How a 12-year-old was able to navigate the expressways to get to O’Hare I don’t know – but thank goodness he is safe.
Not sure if this qualifies, but I used to find myself thinking it was time to get up in the morning. I would even get showered and dressed and then saw what time it was: 2AM one time. Hope the article has a happy ending.
I hope the home circumstances that led him to feel like running away have changed. I’m glad to hear he’s back safe and sound.
Yes.. thank goodness for the young man’s safe return. Hopefully, the family will have an intervention of its own and alleviate whatever problems exist there.
Running away, and driving to the airport at 12! I couldn’t see them doing that in Toledo, much less Chicago.. Wow!! I glad the child is safe from the drive. I am hoping the problems at home really didn’t necessitate the child leaving.