Young Girl Found Alone on Chicago's West Side

Police seek public's help to identify child left by unknown woman in SUV

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:54am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a child's backpack and shoes against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the abandoned child and the gritty, investigative nature of this case.The abandoned belongings of a young child found alone on Chicago's West Side raise urgent questions about community safety and support.Chicago Today

Chicago police are investigating after a young girl, believed to be between 2-3 years old, was found alone in West Garfield Park on Tuesday evening. The child was left by an unknown woman in a green sweater and leopard-print scarf who drove off in a black SUV, leaving the girl behind. The child was found wearing a pink outfit and carrying a backpack with diapers and an iPad.

Why it matters

This is a concerning case that raises questions about child abandonment and the safety of young children in Chicago neighborhoods. The police are hoping the public can help identify the child and provide information about the woman who left her behind.

The details

Investigators said the child was found just before 7 p.m. near Van Buren Street and Kildare Avenue in the West Garfield Park neighborhood. The young girl was wearing a pink coat, pink sweater with hearts, pink Minnie Mouse pants, and Hello Kitty shoes, and was carrying a backpack with diapers and an iPad inside.

  • The child was found just before 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Chicago Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the case and seeking the public's help to identify the young girl and the woman who left her behind.

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What’s next

Detectives are continuing to investigate the case and are hopeful that someone in the community will come forward with information to help identify the child and the woman who left her alone.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for greater community support and resources to ensure the safety and well-being of young children in Chicago neighborhoods. It also raises concerns about the factors that may have led to this child being abandoned, underscoring the importance of addressing the root causes of such incidents.