Crime & Safety
Hickory Hills, IL: Man Charged in 2 Kidnapping Attempts Oct. 15
Hickory Hills, IL – A Willow Springs man has been arrested and charged with two counts of attempted kidnapping after police say he allegedly targeted two juvenile girls near a shopping center in subur
By Grant Holloway · 2026-10-15T21:05:58.987Z
Hickory Hills, IL – A Willow Springs man has been arrested and charged with two counts of attempted kidnapping after police say he allegedly targeted two juvenile girls near a shopping center in suburban Hickory Hills, southwest of Chicago. Both girls escaped, with community members playing a critical role in helping them reach safety.
According to the Hickory Hills Police Department , officers responded Tuesday, Oct. 13, around 12:30 p.m. to a shopping center near 95th Street and Roberts Road following reports of an attempted abduction.
Two Girls Allegedly Targeted Minutes Apart
Investigators said a 14 year old girl was walking through the shopping center when a man driving a silver SUV allegedly approached her, repeatedly ordered her into his vehicle and followed her as she tried to leave.
The girl sought help, and community members intervened, prompting the driver to flee.
Police said another juvenile girl had been approached moments earlier by the same vehicle. The driver allegedly demanded she enter his SUV and chased her on foot after she refused.
A nearby adult confronted the man and helped the girl reach safety.
Police Track SUV, Arrest Suspect
Detectives identified a silver Hyundai SUV through surveillance footage. The vehicle was later detected by a Flock automated license plate reader, helping officers coordinate the suspect's apprehension.
Police identified the accused as Hayes, a Willow Springs resident.
Investigators said Hayes also had two unrelated outstanding warrants involving public indecency allegations from Naperville and Waukegan.
Following review by the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, Hayes was charged with two counts of attempted kidnapping, one involving each juvenile.
He was held pending a detention hearing.
Police credited witnesses who intervened, contacted authorities and provided critical information.
The charges are allegations. Hayes is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.