Man Took 4-Year-Old From Frankfort Home: Cops

FRANKFORT, IL — A Frankfort man has been arrested after forcing his way into his neighbor's home and grabbing a 4-year-old inside the home, the Will County Sheriff's Office said. Ricardo Zambrano, 41, has been charged with aggravated battery, unlawful restraint, criminal trespassing and residential burglary, in connection with an incident which happened on March 14.

Deputies were called to a residence in Frankfort around 5:15 p.m. March 14 and spoke to the mother of a 4-year-old about an incident that had just happened. Police said the mother stated she was inside her home when she heard her dog barking and went to the front door. She saw her son talking to a neighbor, Zambrano, through the side window of the front door.

Police said the mother told her son he could not go outside and for Zambrano to come back later. The woman told police she turned her back and then heard a loud noise, and saw Zambrano forcing his way through the front door, and causing damage to the wall behind it.

Police said Zambrano entered the residence and approached the woman as she began to yell at him. Zambrano then grabbed the child, forcefully removing him from the home. The mother followed Zambrano, as she screamed and attempted to physically get her son back. Zambrano continued to his residence with the child.

According to police, a family member of Zambrano's heard the screaming and came outside. The family member began yelling at Zambrano and the mother was able to grab her son and run home.

Deputies took Zambrano to the Investigations Division, where he was questioned. Police said he made statements implicating himself and said he had "an internal feeling that the boy needed help" and that he "has been trying to restore his faith in God and the church."

As of March 19, Zambrano is still at the Will County Adult Detention Facility. He is being held on $850,000 bond.