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Police arrest person of interest in attempted Pekin child abduction

Pekin Police

Pekin police report they've apprehended the man who allegedly attempted to abduct a child.  Officers located 55-year old Thomas Anthony in Lincoln. The incident in Pekin occurred Sunday morning at Hardees.

Police say a mother was eating with her three children at the restaurant when Anthony approached to talk with the kids. He reportedly left the restaurant, but re-appeared after the mother took one of her children to the restroom.

Anthony then attempted to lure a six-year old boy outside when three bystanders confronted the suspect. The mother was re-united with her child and Anthony left the establishment. One of the men who approached Anthony took a picture of him and the truck he was driving with an Iowa license plate.

Anthony's 2008 Red Ford Ranger

Anthony was arrested, transported to Pekin and is being held in the Tazewell County jail.