In Rock Island, a heart-stopping ordeal ended in relief when 4-year-old Blessing Aoci, who was in a vehicle that was stolen from her residence, was found safe nearly nine hours later. The community and multiple law enforcement agencies rallied together in an extensive search effort after the brown Saturn Outlook she was in was stolen early Thursday morning. Utilizing drones, canvassing, and even an Amber Alert, the search culminated in Blessing’s safe recovery near the theft location. Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, including 18-year-old Jaron Bailey-Harris. The coordinated effort showcased the power of community and law enforcement collaboration, turning what could have been a tragedy into a testament to resilience and teamwork. According to the Rock Island Police Department, “At approximately 2:53 p.m., while in the area, Blessing was located nearby and in apparent good health. She was immediately reunited with her mother and then transported by the Rock Island Fire Department to Unity Point Trinity for evaluation. The investigation into the details of the incident and her recovery is ongoing and more information will be released as it becomes available. ”
Rock Island Police Chief Tim McCloud said, “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.”
Jaron Bailey-Harris, 18 years of age, was arrested and charged with Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. Four juveniles were apprehended in connection to the incident: a 16-year-old Hispanic male – Kidnapping and Possession of a Stolen vehicle; a 16-year-old Black male – Possession of a Stolen vehicle; a 15-year-old Black female – Possession of a Stolen Vehicle; and a 14-year-old Black female – Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
Assisting in the search were personnel from the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office, Moline Police Department, Village of Milan Police Department, Davenport Police Department, Illinois State Police Troop 2, FBI, the United States Marshals Service, and countless neighbors and volunteers.
The incident remains under investigation by the Rock Island Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division. Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the Rock Island Police Department at 309-732-2677 or Crime Stoppers at 309-762-9500 or using the P3 Tips app.
Ashley Madison shared these security videos that captured the suspect vehicle and the vehicle with Blessing being stolen.
According to her post on Facebook:
“Update: for more context the police and I watched this footage the white car travels south towards her vehicle which is on and parked. It slows, stops and one person from the passenger side gets out, one from back driver’s side gets out. Both head towards her vehicle. The one from the back drivers side appears to notice the child, runs back to the white vehicle which is why it hesitates to pull off and her stolen vehicle flips a u turn on 13th Ave/14 1/2 street intersection and races after the white vehicle back towards 18th Ave I will upload the video that someone was able to lighten and enhance for me.
For everyone judging this mother. Count how long it took for that first car to appear and for the second to disappear
That’s how quick her baby was gone. You can hear someone yell. She didn’t leave that baby for an extended period of time. They took advantage of a mother trying to get her kids where they needed to go so she could most likely go to work.
I hope they find her safe.”