Missing Baby Found; Search Continues for Mother: Report

An 11-month-old boy who may have been abducted from Streator along with his mother over the weekend is home safe, family said. But 24-year-old mom Kayla Stratton was still reportedly missing on Monday morning.

Stratton was last seen at around 11 p.m. Friday, according to NBC Chicago. The La Salle County Sheriff's office said the mother and child may have been taken by the baby's father, 33-year-old Clarence Merritte.

Police said the infant was "consensually taken" by Clarence Merritte. But authorities said Stratton was later abducted after being forced off the road, according to WGN. Stratton was reportedly a passenger in a vehicle when a suspect allegedly rammed it, causing it to crash into a utility pole. The suspect then allegedly dragged Stratton out by her hair and forced her into his vehicle.

Arrest warrants were issued for Clarence Merritte on charges including unlawful restraint, driving on a revoked license, domestic battery and aggravated assault, according to My Web Times.

The infant's grandmother reported that baby Paul was left on a friend's porch in his car seat late Sunday, but mom Kayla Stratton was "still missing and in extreme danger."

On Monday morning, KWQC Channel 6 said the LaSalle County Sheriff's Office confirmed that that baby was returned safe. A friend of Kayla Stratton reportedly found the baby outside her home and called Kayla's mother, Mindy Stratton, then contacted police. The child was taken to an area hospital for a health evaluation and reunited with his grandmother, the station reported.

Mindy Stratton reportedly posted Facebook photos of baby Paul after his return. After the alleged abduction, Mindy Stratton posted that the family had reason to believe Clarence Merritte may have taken Kayla to Joliet or Chicago. Family and friends were using the hashtag "#findkaylastratton" to post updates about the missing mother on Facebook.

Anyone with information is asked to all the LaSalle County Sheriff's Office at 815-433-2161.

Photo via Locate the Missing/Facebook