Bodycam video shows missing 3-year-old from Indiana being found in Cleveland, as well as her father's arrest

Newly released police body camera footage has revealed the tense moments leading to the discovery of a missing 3-year-old girl from Indiana and the subsequent arrest of her father in the Cleveland area. In the video, officers can be seen confronting Shaquille Thomas, 31, at the intersection of Interstate 271 and Chagrin Boulevard. He was wanted for multiple charges in Fort Wayne, Indiana, including assaulting the girl’s mother on January 7 and fleeing with their daughter.

After proving herself as the child's sole custodial parent, the mother filed a missing persons report on March 3. Authorities in Shaker Heights managed to track Thomas to Northeast Ohio, ultimately leading to his arrest last Thursday, during which it was reported he was armed with a gun.

Following Thomas’ arrest, officers located the 3-year-old girl with a family member at an Aldi grocery store on Kinsman Road in Cleveland. Additional bodycam footage shows her interacting with officers after being found safe, with her identity protected by blurring her face. She has since been reunited with her mother.

Currently, Thomas is being held in jail on outstanding warrants for assault and domestic violence. As the investigation continues, he may face further charges, including kidnapping, in both Indiana and Ohio.

This incident highlights the urgency and complexity of child custody cases and the vital role law enforcement plays in ensuring the safety of missing children.