File Photo – Six Flags Great America | Photo: Google Street View

Police say a man punched his girlfriend in the face at Six Flags in Gurnee and fled to Indiana with her children as well as his children, who were later located safe at a family member’s home.

The Gurnee Police Department responded around 9:40 p.m. Friday to Six Flags Great America for a report of a domestic battery incident.

Gurnee Police Department Public Information Officer Shawn Gaylor said the incident involved a 40-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman.

The woman, who is from Merrillville, Indiana, had been in a dating relationship for several years with the man, who is from East Chicago, Indiana.

The couple was visiting the park with the woman’s two children, ages 4 and 7, and the man’s two children, Gaylor said.

While inside their car, the couple began arguing and the woman reported she was punched in the face by the man.

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Gaylor said the woman escaped from the vehicle but was unable to retrieve her children before the man drove away with all four kids.

Authorities contacted the man and requested that he return to the theme park to discuss the incident and return her children.

The man refused to return and said he would instead take the children to their grandmother’s house in East Chicago, Indiana, Gaylor said.

Officers issued a check on well-being through the Illinois State Police Emergency Radio Network (ISPERN).

The broadcast alerted law enforcement agencies across the state to be on the lookout for the vehicle and confirm the well-being of the children inside.

The Gurnee Police Department also coordinated with the East Chicago Police Department to ensure the children arrived safely at their grandmother’s residence, Gaylor said.

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The woman suffered minor injuries and received medical treatment from paramedics at the scene. She did not require further medical treatment and was not transported to the hospital.

Police are working with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office to review the case for potential domestic battery charges.