Update 6 p.m. — The Starke County Sheriff's Office says the alleged suspect has been taken into custody.
According to a social media post, Starke County Sheriff’s deputies were enroute to conduct a welfare check at a residence in the 5200 block of South A Street in North Judson at 7:35 a.m. when dispatch got a call from a person at that residence saying the child was there. Upon arrival, deputies found the child and turned him over to the Indiana Department of Child Services.
Officials said while deputies were at the scene, they learned that the suspect was inside a residence in the 2600 block of Donna Street. Officials made several attempts to contact the suspect using phones and loudspeakers. Eventually, U.S. Marshals deployed chemical agents into the residence.
The suspect exited the back of the house and was taken into custody without incident, with other charges pending.
“Anytime we are able to safely apprehend an individual who has demonstrated a propensity for violence, it is a success,” said Starke County Sheriff Jack Rosa in a statement. “We are especially thankful that the child was located and is safe. Our established partnerships continue to play a critical role in keeping Starke County safe.”
Update 10 a.m. — Per authorities, the AMBER Alert issued on Feb. 6, 2026 has been cancelled as requested by the investigating agency.
A Starke County Sheriff’s Office statement reads, "The child has been located safely. The alleged suspect remains at large. The Starke County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to utilize all available resources in the ongoing investigation to take the suspect into custody. No further information at this time."
Original story:
NORTH JUDSON, Ind. — The Starke County Sheriff’s Department requested the activation of an AMBER Alert Friday morning from North Judson, Indiana which is 121 miles northwest of Indianapolis.
The victim is a 2-year-old white male, 2’4″ tall, 30 lbs, blonde hair with blue eyes, and last seen wearing a blue and gray sweatshirt and blue and gray sweatpants. He was last seen on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 3 p.m. in North Judson, Indiana and is believed to be in extreme danger.
The suspect is a 44-year-old white male, 5’9″ tall, 180 lbs, brown hair with brown eyes, last seen driving a silver 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer with Indiana license plates.
If you have any information on this incident, contact the Starke County Sheriff’s Department at 574-772-3771 or 911.
This is a developing story. We'll have updates as they become available.
