Arlington Heights police received a report just before 1:40 a.m. Monday of a 4-year-old child (estimated) walking in the road near Arlington Heights Road and Rand Road. A Cook County Sheriff police deputy, who happened to be in the area, was also flagged down by the original 9-1-1 caller. The deputy caught up with the child and then an Arlington Heights officer arrived, resulting in the child safe with the police within four minutes.
Arlington Heights Fire Department paramedics were called to the scene to check the child for exposure to the cold. The child was transported to Northwest Community Hospital.
The Arlington Heights police officer immediately searched the area and discovered footprints in fresh snow about 1:50 a.m. The police officer followed the footprints to an address in the 400 block of Circle Hill Drive and found an open patio door. Police backup units arrived, and officers carefully entered the interior of the multi-family unit. The interior of the home was investigated, and mother was found about 2:00 a.m.
Police officers checked for the well-being of the child and confirmed the presence of an adult guardian.
To their surprise, police learned that the toddler had an overnight urge for some candy and headed for a gas station. He put on his boots without waking up his mother, who was sleeping in an adjacent bedroom, and walked about one-quarter mile from his home in snow and ice, and temperatures in the teens.
The child was returned home safely about 3:20 a.m. No arrest of any adult caretakers, and no word of injuries to the child. Police were just relieved all were safe.
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