ALTON, Ill. — A 15-year-old boy was charged in connection with the theft of a van with a 3-month-old boy inside that led to an Amber Alert Friday.
The Alton Police Department said the 15-year-old was charged with attempted murder, kidnapping and offenses related to a motor vehicle. His name will not be released because he is a minor.
Police said they were called to Spring Street at around 7:30 p.m. Friday where a woman said her 2001 Chevrolet Venture van was stolen while her son was inside.
The van and the 3-month-old boy were found hours later, and the boy is expected to be OK.
Alton police say they chased the 15-year-old, found physical evidence tying him to the case and arrested him Tuesday afternoon.
Police said the 15-year-old boy lives in Alton and acted alone in stealing the van.
Resources for crime victims:
If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has been, 5 On Your Side has compiled a list of resources.
- Better Family Life is a nonprofit community development organization working to “stabilize inner-city neighborhoods.” One aspect of its mission is a gun violence de-escalation program. To learn more, call 314-381-8200 or visit https://www.betterfamilylife.org/
- Life Outside of Violence “helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence.” To learn more, call 314-327-6697 or email: ProjectLOV@WUSTL.edu
- The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has an anti-crime program called “Safety Net for Youth Initiative,” which is a joint partnership between and Saint Louis Public Schools to provide services to at-risk youth. To learn more, visit https://www.ulstl.com/anti-crime-initiative.html
- Cure Violence is an international organization that has recently launched in a handful of St. Louis neighborhoods. Violence interrupters are trained to deescalate violent situations within their own communities. To learn more, visit https://cvg.org/