IL Man Plotted To Kidnap Child In FL, Hold Boy For Ransom: Authorities

CHICAGO — An Illinois man was arrested over the weekend trying to board a train to Florida, where he planned to abduct a child from school and hold the boy for ransom, according to authorities.

Devontay Shields, 35, of Danville, is charged with attempted kidnapping and was arrested Saturday at Chicago’s Union Station, where he tried to get on an Amtrak train to Miami, authorities said.

Shields plotted to kidnap the boy from school in Fort Lauderdale and hold him for $100,000 ransom, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Shields told his plans to people who were secretly cooperating with law enforcement and who recorded a conversation in which Shields said he was going to “get me a little boy,” according to authorities.

Before trying to go to Florida, Shields bought zip ties and two toys, which he had when he was arrested, according to the department.

Shields was being held in federal custody, authorities said, adding a preliminary hearing was set for Monday. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison, according to the department.