The person of interest has been identified. The investigation remains active at this time. The Kokomo Police Department would like to thank the public for the phone calls and valuable tips received.
Police remind the public that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Kokomo Police Department is investigating an attempted child abduction that occurred Saturday morning outside an Aldi grocery store on South Reed Road.
According to police, officers were dispatched on April 26, 2026, at approximately 10:53 a.m. to the store located at 1381 S. Reed Road after reports of an attempted abduction involving a one-year-old child.
Investigators say the child’s mother reported she was loading groceries outside the store when an unknown male approached and allegedly placed both hands on the child, attempting to lift her from a shopping cart without speaking. The mother immediately yelled for help, drawing the attention of nearby witnesses.
Witnesses confirmed seeing the suspect attempt to remove the child from the cart. After the incident, the male reportedly entered the store briefly, used sanitizer wipes near the entrance, and then left the area walking westbound.
Authorities say the suspect is described as a Hispanic male wearing a green jacket and a hat. Witnesses also indicated the individual may be a frequent customer in the area.
The child was not injured during the incident.
Anyone with information or who can identify the suspect is urged to contact the Kokomo Police Department at (765) 456-7017. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Kokomo PD mobile app or by texting “TIPKPD” followed by a message to 847411.
Police remind the public that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.