Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- At approximately 0700 hours on January 19th, 2024, Effingham City Police and Effingham County Sheriff Deputies responded to a hotel lobby in 1300 block of Avenue of Mid America for a report of an attempted kidnapping. A physical altercation between the subject, hotel staff and patrons occurred prior to the Officers arriving. Within minutes, responding Officers engaged the subject and the use of non-lethal tasers were deployed.
Matthew J. Kelledes, 37, Flora, was taken to Effingham County Jail for an Illinois Department of Corrections warrant and pending charges from this incident. Kidnapping is a Class 2 Felony and carries a sentence of 3-7 years imprisonment and up to a $25,000 fine.
Chief Jason McFarland praised the hotel staff and bystanders for assisting and responding Officers and Deputies who defused the situation in a timely manner. The child was unharmed and is in the care of her parents. The investigation into this incident is on-going by Effingham City Police and the Effingham County State’s Attorney’s Office; no additional information will be released at this time.
If you see it, say it! The Effingham Police Department encourages you to call the Police Department immediately at 217-347-0774 to report suspicious activity in your neighborhood or business district. Information can be given anonymously by calling the CRIME STOPPERS Tip Line at 217-347-6583. Anonymous callers can receive up to $1,000 cash rewards.
ALL INDIVIDUALS LISTED AS ARRESTED OR ISSUED A CITATION ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW
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