A quiet Palatine block had a jolt of drama early Monday when a man grabbed a child and took the youngster's cellphone, according to police. The encounter happened around 7 a.m. in the 200 block of West Wood Street, and officials said the child was later reported safe. A criminal investigation was underway and remained active into the afternoon.
Officers responded to the scene and detectives began working the case, reviewing surveillance footage and other digital images in an effort to identify the suspect, CBS Chicago reported. Police also put out a call for tips and asked anyone with information to contact the department's Investigations Bureau at 847-359-9000.
How to report tips
The Palatine Police Department lists its non-emergency line as 847-359-9000 and maintains a staff directory and beat contacts on the village website for residents who want to share information or raise concerns. For emergencies or crimes in progress, residents are instructed to call 911, according to the department's public pages.
Investigators combing video, stepping up patrols
Police said they increased patrols in the area while detectives combed through surveillance video and other digital evidence to track down the person who took the phone. As of Monday afternoon, no arrests had been reported, according to CBS Chicago.
Neighborhood safety and next steps
Palatine police have urged neighbors to check home security systems and doorbell cameras and to share any footage that might help the investigation. The department's beat pages also outline community policing resources and options for setting up meetings with officers to talk through ongoing safety concerns, per the village's police pages.
