On March 26th, 2025, Macomb Police responded to a report of a kidnapping from the 400 block of N. Charles St. During the investigation, it was determined a mother’s 3-year-old child was taken by an ex-boyfriend, later identified as Jamil A. Purnell. Purnell is not the biological father of the child. Purnell entered the residence without the mother’s consent, took the child, and fled the area. Once suspect vehicle information was obtained, Macomb Police personnel, with the assistance of the Illinois State Police Troop 4, were able to track the vehicle through the Flock™ Camera/Advanced License Plate Reader System (ALPRs). The vehicle had passed through Fulton County and travelled a route to Chicago, IL. After hours of diligent police work, Illinois State Police Troop 3 and Chicago Police Department assisted in locating and recovering the child from a residence in Chicago, IL. Purnell fled the scene and is evading capture. An arrest warrant for Purnell is being requested through the McDonough County State’s Attorney Office for Aggravated Kidnapping, Battery, Home Invasion, and Criminal Trespass to Residence.
The Macomb Police Department would like to thank the Illinois State Police Troops 3 and 4, McDonough County Sheriff’s Office, WIU Office of Public Safety, and the Chicago Police Department for their assistance, quick response, and dedication.
Due to the quick action, networking of resources, and Illinois departments’ use of Flock ALPRs, this case had a quick and successful outcome. The child is now safe with family after being examined at a Chicago-area hospital.
All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.
***Courtesy of the Macomb Police Department***
