OSAGE COUNTY, OKLAHOMA — A 10-year-old girl, who was reported missing on Saturday evening in the rural Webb City community of Osage County, Oklahoma, was safely recovered after an intense multi-agency search and a dramatic high-speed police chase that ended with the death of the suspected abductor. The Osage County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the girl, who was abducted from her home, is now safely back with her family.
The incident unfolded on June 28, when local law enforcement responded to a report of a missing child from a residence near Shidler. The family’s distress, combined with the urgency of the situation, prompted a swift and coordinated effort by law enforcement agencies, culminating in a massive search operation involving deputies, state police, and local authorities. The case rapidly escalated as the abductor’s movements led investigators through multiple counties and dangerous terrain, ultimately resulting in a high-speed chase, a crash, and the tragic death of the suspected kidnapper.
The girl’s disappearance was reported at approximately 6:00 p.m., and the Osage County Sheriff’s Office immediately launched a large-scale search. Over 20 law enforcement personnel from various agencies, including the Osage County Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP), and other local and state teams, were quickly mobilized. The response was swift, deploying specialized units such as K-9s, drones, and ATVs. Investigators also worked quickly to obtain crucial information from the victim’s family, gathering intel on any leads that could point to the suspect’s whereabouts.
Despite initial efforts to locate the child, the situation did not meet the threshold required for an AMBER Alert, so authorities turned to social media to spread awareness of the abduction. A photo of the missing girl was shared widely on platforms to ensure public knowledge of the case, with hopes that community members might offer crucial tips.
Using cellphone data triangulation and conducting interviews with the victim’s family, deputies were able to identify a suspect and determine that he had fled the area. The suspect, 51-year-old Jimmy Allison Schimmeles Jr., of Shidler, was tracked to a remote ranch located north of Lyman, near the border between Kay County, Oklahoma, and Cowley County, Kansas. The area where Schimmeles was believed to be hiding was sparsely populated and difficult to access, making the search particularly challenging for law enforcement.
Authorities discovered Schimmeles’ vehicle hidden in a field, prompting law enforcement to approach the scene. As officers identified themselves and activated their emergency lights, Schimmeles fled, initiating a high-speed pursuit. The chase took deputies across rural roads and rugged terrain, covering approximately 20 miles, before the suspect returned toward Webb City, where officers had strategically positioned themselves to contain the situation.
During the final stages of the pursuit, Schimmeles stopped briefly near the victim’s home. This provided a critical opportunity for the girl to safely exit the vehicle and run toward the officers. Deputies quickly secured her and reunited her with her family, who had been waiting anxiously for her safe return. Although the girl appeared unharmed, she was immediately transported to a nearby medical facility for precautionary evaluation.
However, Schimmeles continued to flee the scene at a high rate of speed, eventually reaching State Highway 11. The pursuit ended tragically when Schimmeles’ vehicle ran off the road and crashed, leading to his death. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
Following the crash, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol assumed control of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, while the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) took charge of the broader case, which includes the details of the abduction and the suspect’s actions. Investigators have yet to release specific information regarding the suspect’s relationship to the victim or any motive behind the abduction.
As of now, authorities have not indicated if Schimmeles had any prior history with the family or if this was a random act. The Osage County Sheriff’s Office, however, emphasized that the case remains under investigation. They have also asked for anyone with additional information about the incident or any related events to come forward and assist in the ongoing inquiry.
“This could have ended much differently,” said a spokesperson for the Osage County Sheriff’s Office. “We are grateful for the teamwork and fast action by everyone involved that led to this child’s safe recovery. Protecting our most vulnerable is always our top priority.”
The successful resolution of the case, while ensuring the safe recovery of the abducted child, underscores the tireless efforts of law enforcement officers and emergency responders. Their swift actions, coordination, and bravery were instrumental in ensuring that the young girl was returned to her family.
As the investigation continues into the events that led up to the kidnapping and the tragic final moments of Schimmeles’ life, the community has expressed relief at the safe return of the victim and the swift response of authorities. The Osage County Sheriff’s Office, in particular, has thanked the public for their continued support during this difficult time.
In the aftermath of the harrowing events, community members are reminded of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in ensuring the safety and well-being of children and families. The efforts of local law enforcement, as well as the quick thinking of the public, have helped to bring an end to what could have been a much worse tragedy.
As the Osage County Sheriff’s Office continues to follow the leads and gather evidence, more updates are expected regarding the investigation. For now, the focus remains on the safety of the young girl and the strength of the community as they recover from this traumatic incident. Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area, or who may have additional information about the events leading to the abduction, to come forward and help complete the picture of what transpired that fateful night.
The case also serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with abductions and the importance of community awareness in preventing such traumatic events from occurring.
