Missing Streator Woman Found Safe, Man Arrested

(STMW) -- A woman who was driven off the road by her son's father and forced into his vehicle was found safe in Calumet City on Friday night, authorities said.

At 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 17, 24-year-old Kayla Stratton met Clarence Merritte, 33, to give him their 11-month old son, Paul Merritte, at 1904 E. First Street in Streator, according to LaSalle County Cpl. K. Pinney.

Afterwards, Merritte chased Stratton in a vehicle and drove her off the road into utility pole, according to Pinney. Merritte then grabbed her by the hair and forced her into his vehicle.

The FBI offered a $5,000 reward for information about the attack.

About 6:30 p.m. Friday, Stratton was found safe after an investigation by the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force, the LaSalle County sheriff's office, the Cook County sheriff's fugitive unit, and Streator police, according to a statement from authorities.

Merritte was taken into custody on Friday at 410 Paxton St. in Calumet City on arrest warrants issued for unlawful restraint, aggravated assault, driving with a revoked license and domestic battery, according to authorities.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire copy; Chicago Sun-Times 2017. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)