PHOTOS: Austin Bell of Riverdale, Illinois Wanted After Allegedly Kidnapping Ex-Girlfriend’s Four Children — Kids Found Safe, Suspect Still at Large

Riverdale, Illinois — Police are searching for Austin Bell, a 30-year-old man accused of abducting his ex-girlfriend’s four young children early Saturday morning before fleeing in a stolen vehicle.

According to a statement from the Riverdale Police Department, Bell allegedly took a silver 2010 Acura MDX around 1:30 a.m. Saturday, with the children — identified as Nia Hill (10), Noah Hill (7), Nolan Hill (7), and Nova Hill (7) — still inside the parked car.

An Amber Alert was issued shortly afterward, prompting a multi-agency search across Illinois.

Children Found Safe, But Suspect Remains Missing

By approximately 7 a.m. Saturday, officials confirmed that the four children had been found safe and were undergoing medical evaluations as a precaution. However, Austin Bell remains at large, and law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction.

Austin Bell of Riverdale, Illinois Wanted After Allegedly Kidnapping Ex-Girlfriend’s Four Children — Kids Found Safe, Suspect Still at Large

Police have not yet revealed where or how the children were recovered, nor have they disclosed whether the stolen Acura MDX — bearing Illinois registration FE 60619 — has been located.

Background and Investigation Details

Authorities confirmed that Bell is the former boyfriend of the children’s mother, whose identity has not been released. Police also clarified that Bell is not the biological father of the children.

It remains unclear how Bell came into contact with the parked vehicle in the early hours of the morning or why the children were inside at the time.

Suspect Description and Public Appeal

Bell is described as a 30-year-old man with brown hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing approximately 215 pounds. He was last seen wearing black jogging pants, a black varsity jacket with white stitching, and black-and-white gym shoes, according to ABC7 Chicago.

Troopers say they are now searching for a silver 2010 Acura MDX with Illinois LIcense plates, with the tag number FE60619.

Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about Bell’s whereabouts to contact the Riverdale Police Department at 708-841-2203 or dial 911 immediately.

Community Relief and Ongoing Search

While the safe recovery of the children has brought relief to the Riverdale community, police emphasize that the case is still active. The investigation aims to determine how the abduction occurred and ensure Bell is apprehended without incident.

Officials have thanked the public and local agencies for their swift cooperation following the Amber Alert, which played a crucial role in safely locating the children.