Missing Mother, Two Kids Found Safe

Police said Jamie Duignan left home earlier in the day with her two children

Chicago police early Thursday afternoon said a mother who ran off with her two children were located in eastern Wisconsin and were unharmed.

"Family and investigators are enroute to their location to continue the investigation and reunite the children with their father," police said in an email.

The family was located in a van in a mall parking lot in Grand Chute, outside of Green Bay. 

It's unclear if charges will be sought against Jamie Duignan, who is a detective with the Chicago Police Department. Police earlier in the morning issued an abduction alert, saying Duignan left the family home with her two children, 11-year-old Daniel Duignan and his brother, 9-year-old Owen Duignan.

The boys' uncle, Patrick Duignan, said Jamie Duignan's husband is a sergeant with the force and said the couple has been talking seriously about getting a divorce. Patrick Duignan said he didn't believe the mother would harm the boys but said family members were worried and scared.

In their alert, police said they believed Jamie Duignan was driving driving a gray 2003 Honda Odyssey minivan with Illinois license plate number 5138379. A family dog, an Old English Bulldog resembling a boxer breed, was thought to be traveling in the vehicle, police said.

Officials did not issue an Amber Alert in this case. In Illinois, an alert may be issued when the  following criteria is met: 

  • Law enforcement must confirm a child has been abducted
  • The child must be under the age of 16 or have a proven mental or physical disability
  • Law enforcement must believe the child is in danger of serious bodily harm or death
  • There is enough descriptive information about the child, abductor, and/or suspect’s vehicle to believe an immediate broadcast alert will help

A Chicago Police Department spokesperson said officials with the Illinois State Police, which issues Amber Alerts in the state, did not believe this case met the criteria.

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