Suspect in abduction of child arrested

Officials: 10-month-old child uninjured

GRANVILLE TOWNSHIP - A 32-year-old woman suspected of abducting a child in Kokomo, Indiana, was arrested in Granville Township on Wednesday afternoon and taken to Mercer County jail on two felonious counts of assault on a peace officer.

Mercer County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested April Spence of Kokomo after safely removing a 10-month-old child from her hold, according to a news release from county sheriff Jeff Grey.

The uninjured child was temporarily placed in Mercer County Job and Family Services' custody before later handed over to children services in Kokomo for reunification with the child's custodial parent, the release states.

Spence allegedly punched, kicked and head-butted deputies after being pulled over, resulting in minor injuries.

She was arrested and transported to the county jail for two counts of assault on a peace officer, each a fourth degree felony, the release states. She's being held without bond.

The case will be forwarded to the Mercer County Prosector's Office for review of any additional charges. Also, the Kokomo Police Department is reportedly conducting its own, ongoing investigation of Spence.

Mercer County Central Dispatch was notified at roughly 3:12 p.m. Wednesday of a child abduction that took place in Kokomo earlier in the day. The suspect, Spence, was said to be traveling in a black 2013 Ford Escape SUV with Indiana license plates through Mercer County, possibly in the area of Siegrist-Jutte Road and State Route 118 in Butler Township, according to the release.

Deputies responded to the area looking for a vehicle matching the description. At 3:31 p.m. deputies located the suspect vehicle traveling eastbound on State Route 119 at Fleetfoot Road in Granville Township.

They conducted a traffic stop, during which an adult female reportedly exited the rear passenger side of the SUV, carrying a small child. Deputies confirmed the woman as Spence and the child to be the abducted 10-month-old from Kokomo, according to the release.

Spence allegedly would not cooperate in handing the child over and became aggressive toward deputies, punching one in the face and kicking another. While being placed in a patrol vehicle for transport to the jail, Spence continued to be combative and head-butted a deputy, the release states.

Deputies on scene contacted Kokomo Police Department, letting them know of the situation and that the child was found and safe. The driver and front seat passenger of the SUV were released and free to leave the scene, according to the release.

The sheriff's office was also assisted by the St. Henry Police Department.