NEWTON, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — A family of four thought to be missing from Newton, Illinois has now been found safe, living in Arizona.
That’s according to Newton Police Chief Riley Britton, who said Stephen, Monica, Aiden, and Nicholas were located in Cochise County, Arizona.
Police said they utilized license plate reader technology along with Arizona State Police resources to narrow down the family’s location. Britton told WTWO that the license plate technology allowed them to follow the family for some time.
Britton said, a Chochise County Deputy first made contact with Monica and the boys without Stephen present. That deputy said the boys appear healthy.
Chief Britton told WTWO that Monica told deputies where they could find Stephen, working at a shop nearby.
Chief Britton was later able to speak to Stephen over the phone. Stephen told Chief Britton that the family has relocated to Arizona and had no plans of returning to Newton.
Britton said, “We are relieved to have made contact with the family and are thankful that they are safe.”
Read the full statement from Chief Britton below;
Family Located Safe
Newton Police Cheif Riley Britton
Stephen, Monica, Aiden and Nicholas have been located in Cochise County in Arizona. With the assistance of license plate readers and the state police, the location of the family was narrowed down to the aforementioned area.
A deputy first made contact with Monica and the boys without Stephen present. All members of the family are safe.
The deputy stated that the boys appear healthy and Monica informed him of where to find Stephen. Shortly after the deputy made contact with Stephen, the deputy contacted Chief Britton. The chief was able to personally speak with Stephen over the phone. Stephen stated they have relocated and have no plans of returning to Newton.
The City of Newton police department would like to thank everyone who assisted in any way with the search for this family. Chief Britton states, “We are relieved to have made contact with the family and are thankful that they are safe.”
