Wood River Police Department Seeks Info After Photo Release of Suspect in Stolen Vehicle

WOOD RIVER - The Wood River Police Department released a photo of the suspect involved an incident in the below-described incident at 10:15 p.m. on Sunday, July 21, 2019, when the Wood River Police Department was dispatched to Moe’s Corner Gas/Convenience Store, 851 Wood River Ave., Wood River, IL. 62095, in reference to a report of a stolen vehicle.

"The victim reported a suspect got into her running vehicle at the gas station and drove off," Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said. "The suspect stopped the vehicle in the 800 block of Wood River Avenue and took off running. The victim recovered her vehicle and called the police department. A four-year-old child was in the vehicle when the suspect took off in the vehicle. The child was uninjured during the incident.

"We are aware the photo is not crystal clear," Wells said. "Comments about the quality of the photo does not help in identifying the suspect. Please refrain the urge to comment about the quality of the photo. If you are able to determine the identity and are willing to share with law enforcement we are most appreciative. Thank you in advance."

If anyone has information on the incident contact the Wood River Police Department at 618-251-3114 or your local law enforcement.

When officers arrived to investigate a witness was interviewed, Chief Wells said.

"The witness is a friend of the victim and told the victim he would watch the vehicle while she went inside," he said. "The witness saw what the suspect was doing and tried to stop the suspect. The witness states the suspect exited the passenger side of a dark-colored passenger car, possibly a brown Ford Taurus, or similar vehicle. The suspect walked to the victim’s vehicle, looked at the witness, and got into the victim’s vehicle. The witness tried to stop the suspect. The suspect dragged the witness while driving off. The witness indicates he scratched the suspect in the face during the incident. The witness was uninjured during the incident."

The suspect is described as follows:

Black/Male
Short Hair
Late teens-Early 20’s
Dark Colored Pants
Wearing a tank top.

The police department wants to remind everyone to not ever leave your vehicle park running and unattended.

More like this:

Two Drivers Hurt In Wood River Truck Crash

Jun 26, 2026

Victim Describes Harrowing Abduction and Assault in Court

May 6, 2026

Apparent Road Rage Ends In Fatal Shooting On Ramp

5 days ago

Wood River Police Resolve Early Morning Hostage Situation

Apr 22, 2026

Austin Mullins Sentenced to 32 Years in Wood River Killing

Jun 29, 2026