Richmond police arrest father after he reportedly abducted his 3 children in violation of order

RICHMOND, Ind. — A father was taken into custody early Wednesday morning after he reportedly abducted his three children in direct violation of a protective order.

According to officials with the Richmond Police Department, officials responded to a reported abduction at a Quality Inn & Suites located at around 1:26 a.m. on Wednesday.

The father, identified by police as 37-year-old Donovan Simmons Sr., reportedly took his three children and left the hotel in a 2016 black Dodge Ram with Kentucky license plates.

Officers then developed suspect information and coordinated with surrounding agencies. Later that morning, the Seymour Police Department located the Dodge and recovered the children around 2:53 a.m.

Simmons was taken into custody without incident and the children have been reunited with family, the department said. Officials stressed that Simmons was directly violating a protective order.

“The men and women of this department continue to prove why they are among the best in law enforcement,” Richmond Police Chief Kyle Weatherly said in a statement. “This incident could have had a tragic ending, but because of the dedication, skill, and relentless pursuit of justice from Sergeant Haskett and his team, three innocent children are now safe. Their actions exemplify what it means to serve and protect. I couldn’t be prouder of their work and the incredible partnership with the Seymour Police Department.”