Person Questioned in Abduction of Park Ridge Boy

5-year-old boy taken Thursday during a carjacking in Park Ridge

Park Ridge police are questioning someone in the Thursday abduction of a 5-year-old boy during a carjacking in the northwest suburb.

Authorities spoke to a number of people overnight, police said, and are talking with someone on Friday.

Drake Whitker was sleeping in his safety seat in the back seat of his family's car Thursday afternoon when the vehicle was stolen, police said.

A woman was unloading groceries from her SUV in the 1700 block of Good Avenue in northwest suburban Park Ridge at 12:20 p.m. when a man jumped in the vehicle and drove off. 

A watchful neighbor saw what happened and immediately called police with a description of the car and the suspect, prompting an Amber Alert. Park Ridge Police confirmed Drake was found unharmed in the missing vehicle in an alley near Oakton and Laramie after an alert citizen who saw the Amber Alert spotted the vehicle and called police.

The suspect is described as a black male, around 5-feet-8 inches tall with a medium build and an afro hairstyle and between 18-22 years old. He was wearing a blue jacket and jeans, police said.

"I would suggest that the person turn himself in to either the Park Ridge or Skokie police department because we will find you," Park Ridge Police Chief Frank Kaminski said.

Police say the suspect will face kidnapping and auto theft charges.

Contact Us