Man Charged In Marengo Child Abduction

LAKE COUNTY, IL — A 34-year-old Chicago man is in custody in connection with a possible child abduction that occurred Tuesday in Marengo. Dvino E. Thomas, of the 5500 block of South Hamilton in Chicago, was arrested after the Marengo Police Department issued a regional police broadcast at about 6:30 p.m. regarding the potential abduction.

Authorities learned Thomas had been visiting with a 2-year-old girl — who he is possibly the father of but does not have parental rights to — and was supposed to bring the toddler back to his mother who lives in the 1000 block of Briden Drive in Marengo, according to a news release from the Lake County Sheriff's Office. When he arrived he got into an argument with the child's mother.

And instead of returning the toddler to her mother, he fled the scene with young girl. The mother then called 911 to report the incident.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office Warrants team knew Thomas — and had taken him into custody in the past — and were familiar with previous areas where Thomas frequented in Lake County. During their search, authorities found Thomas' vehicle in the area of Grass Lake Road and Sunset Drive in unincorporated Antioch, according to the news release.

Thomas quickly left the area, likely after he recognized the deputies' vehicle, and turned onto a residential street while increasing speeds, authorities said. Deputies were able to surround and stop his vehicles in the area of Monaville Road and Avon Drive in unincorporated Lake Villa.

Authorities found the toddler safe in the vehicle and took Thomas into custody. The girl was turned over to a relative.

Thomas was transported to the McHenry County Jail and has been charged with child abduction. He remains in custody at the McHenry County Jail and an initial court hearing is pending.