Local Police Reports

Park Forest Police Announce Kidnap Victim Safe

Detective John Sweitzer and Phoenix Peraza

Detective John Sweitzer and Phoenix Peraza. (Photo: PFPD)

Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– Park Forest Police report that "Operation Phoenix" has concluded with the recovery of the abducted child, 5-year-old Phoenix Peraza.

For well over two months, Detective John Sweitzer has been trying to recover the child. A warrant had been issued from Chandler, Arizona, for the arrest of the alleged abductor, 57-year-old Daaiyah Manning, aka Daaiyah Najeeullah, last known address 432 Illinois Street, Park Forest. Manning is the child’s grandmother.

Police say they were contacted by someone in Chicago who had read an account of the alleged kidnapping in eNews Park Forest. Shortly after that, police announced that Ms. Manning had been arrested.

"It’s 100% due to your story," Detective Sweitzer told ENEWSPF.

On Saturday, July 31, due to his investigation and continued work, arrangements were made and the Phoenix Peraza was turned over to Detective Sweitzer at the Park Forest Police Department by Ms. Manning’s attorney.  Police say the child was in good condition and was tuned over to DCFS pending being reunited with his father, who was flying in from Arizona. 

Police say Ms. Manning will also be retuning to Arizona, in custody, to face criminal charges.

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