Springfield Man Arrested for Attempted Kidnapping

A 24-year-old Springfield man was arrested Tuesday afternoon following an attempted kidnapping that occurred earlier that day in Washington Park. The arrest comes after a swift and coordinated effort by multiple law enforcement agencies in response to a report made by a juvenile victim.

At approximately 11:58 a.m. on July 30, the Springfield Park District Police Department received a call from a juvenile female who reported that an unknown man had attempted to abduct her while she was in the park. Responding officers immediately secured the scene and began gathering information on the suspect. The Springfield Police Department, Jerome Police Department, and Leland Grove Police Department quickly joined the search.

A few hours later, at around 3:10 p.m., authorities located the suspect—identified as Vontrez L. Haynes—in the 2000 block of Barberry Avenue. Officers placed him under arrest without incident and transported him to the Sangamon County Jail.

Following the arrest, Haynes was formally charged with six criminal offenses. These include retail theft under $300 and resisting a peace officer, both Class A misdemeanors, stemming from a separate incident that occurred shortly before the attempted kidnapping. He is also facing four charges directly related to the incident in the park: aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving a victim between the ages of 13 and 17 with threat of force (Class 2 felony), aggravated battery in a public place involving a minor (Class 3 felony), unlawful restraint (Class 4 felony), and disorderly conduct for provoking a breach of peace (Class C misdemeanor).

Haynes remains in custody at the Sangamon County Jail.

Law enforcement officials have confirmed that no injuries were reported during the incident or during Haynes’ arrest. The investigation remains active as authorities continue reviewing evidence and witness statements. Further details will be released as they become available.