PERU, Ill. (CBS) — A young woman has been found safe in Peoria a day and a half after she was kidnapped in Peru, Illinois, police said Tuesday.
Peru police Chief Douglas Bernabei said the woman was located safe and sound and was in a secure location in Peoria.
The victim had initially been reported to be a teenage girl between 14 and 16 years old, but it turned out she was a woman in her early 20s with a smaller-than-average stature, Bernabei said.
Meanwhile, the suspect in the kidnapping remained at large on Tuesday. He is believed to be from the Peoria area and has an unrelated warrant out for his arrest in LaSalle County, Bernabei said.
Bernabei said the investigation indicates that this was a domestic-related abduction. The victim and the kidnapper had dated and lived together in Peoria, Bernabei said.
The suspect, whom Bernabei identified as Bobby A. Cross, 27, most recently of Peoria, is a convicted felon who was found guilty of aggravated battery in 2017. Cross served 79 days in jail and probation afterward, but did not pay off his fines and thus, a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Bobby A. Cross (Credit: FBI)
Bernabei emphasized that there is no danger to the community or to children in the area.
The FBI said Cross should not be approached if he is spotted. Tips should be directed to the Peru Police Department at (815) 223-2151.
