Richmond police respond to child abduction report; suspect arrested by Seymour police

RICHMOND, Ind. — Early Wednesday morning, the Richmond Police Department took a father of three children into custody after a report of the children’s abduction.

About 1:26 a.m., Richmond police responded to the Quality Inn & Suites at 5501 National Road E. after a report that 37-year-old Donovan Simmons Sr. had left with his children in a 2016 Dodge Ram in violation of a protection order, according to a release.

Sgt. Brett Haskett, leader of RPD’s B Squad 3rd Shift Platoon, worked with seven members of his squad and coordinated with surrounding agencies, the release said.

At 2:53 a.m., the Seymour Police Department located Simmons Sr. and arrested him without incident, according to the release. The children were then reunited with their mother.

“The men and women of this department continue to prove why they are among the best in law enforcement,” RPD Chief Kyle Weatherly said in the release. “This incident could have had a tragic ending, but because of the dedication, skill, and relentless pursuit of justice from Sergeant Haskett and his team, three innocent children are now safe.”

Evan Weaver is a news and sports reporter at The Palladium-Item. Contact him on X (@evan_weaver7) or email at eweaver@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Richmond Palladium-Item: Richmond police respond to reported child abduction; suspect arrested