Child Abduction Thwarted By Witness In Naperville: Cops

NAPERVILLE, IL — A quick-thinking bystander was able to help cops catch an attempted kidnapper Friday in Naperville, police said. Naperville Police Cmdr. Tom Kammerer said a witness saw a man trying to lure a young girl into his vehicle near a school bus stop near Modaff Road and Massachusetts Avenue just after 7:30 a.m. Friday.

The witness called police and was able to relay a description of the suspect and his vehicle, as well as his license plate number. Kammerer said Naperville police were able to track down the vehicle, arresting driver Early D. Kluss, 37, of the 200 block of Westbrook Circle Naperville.

After questioning Kluss and consulting with the Will County State's Attorney's Office, Naperville police arrested him on two counts of child abduction, possession of a controlled substance and DUI.

“The Naperville Police Department would like to thank the citizens who called 911 for getting involved, providing a timely, accurate vehicle and suspect description. Their actions led officers directly to the suspect," Naperville Police Chief Robert Marshall said in a statement issued Saturday. "Additionally, we are proud of the tremendous response by police officers who quickly located and arrested the suspect, potentially preventing further acts of abduction."

Kluss remains in custody in Will County and his bond was set at $50,000, according to jail records.

Image: Early D. Kluss/Naperville Police Department