Stranger helps locate abducted baby

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A battalion chief with the Brownsburg Fire Department may have helped locate a five-month-old girl after police say she was abducted by her father.

The father, Robert Norris, is behind bars as he faces preliminary charges of battery.

Battalion Chief Kevin Whitt said he noticed something strange as he and his children exited the Marion County Library Sunday afternoon following a church service.

“He almost looked like a shoplifter would. He had her under his chest, tucked in real tight,” Whitt said. “Secondly, he appeared to be in a great deal of a hurry, as if someone was chasing him, and finally, he kept looking over his shoulder, again as if someone was looking for him.”

Whitt said he called for Norris to stop and questioned where he was going with the child.

“When I yelled he hesitated and actually dropped his baseball cap, as he stopped to pick it up, I asked where he was taking the girl. At this point he answered that he was ‘going to find a dumpster,’” Whitt said. 

Witnesses also told police Norris made comments that hinted at putting the child in danger. Whitt felt compelled to call police after observing Norris' body language.  He says everyone should do the same if they suspect strange behavior.

"Do the right thing. If your instincts are telling you something isn't right do something about it,” Whitt said while recommending calling authorities. “The worst thing you can do is do nothing and walk away.”

Whitt says first get a description of the person and the child.

Second, have a general idea of where the person is heading but avoid putting yourself in danger.