Peoria, IL – Authorities are searching for an Ohio man with a violent criminal history in connection with a vehicle theft and child abduction case reported Wednesday in Peoria. Victor E. Farris, 45, is accused of stealing a maroon Kia Seltos with a 3-year-old child inside from the 2000 block of W. Pioneer Parkway. The child was later found unharmed at a gas station on S. Airport Road, but Farris remains at large.
According to the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office, Farris, who has a history of violent crimes across several states, was identified after he dropped his ID during a foot chase along the Rock Island Trail in southeast Princeville. Deputies, along with officers from other agencies, have continued the search but have not yet captured him.
The incident has alarmed the local community, and law enforcement is urging residents to remain vigilant. Farris is considered extremely dangerous due to his past offenses and the severity of the recent crime. Authorities are asking anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact 911 immediately.
Farris was last seen wearing dark clothing, and police believe he may still be in the area.
