Alton Officer Austin Cross Honored After Missing Woman Found
The investigation spanning Illinois and Indiana earned Cross departmental recognition, highlighting the behind-the-scenes work that helped bring a 22-year-old woman home safely.
ALTON - An Alton Police officer whose behind-the-scenes investigation helped locate a missing 22-year-old woman has been named the department’s September 2026 Officer of the Month.
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The Alton Police Department recognized Officer Austin Cross for his investigative initiative, persistence and dedication after he helped develop a multi-state search for the Alton woman, who was found in Indiana on Oct. 3, 2026, and safely reunited with her family.
Cross took the missing-person report Sept. 23, 2026, after the woman traveled out of state to meet someone she knew through social media and stopped communicating with her family, according to the department.
During a single shift, Cross coordinated with law enforcement agencies across Illinois and Indiana, used license plate reader technology to track the woman’s vehicle, and worked with AT&T to obtain an exigent phone ping. He analyzed the location information and narrowed the search to a six-block area of Chicago.
Cross also coordinated with the Chicago Police Department and its Crime Prevention and Information Center to expand the search. After his shift ended, he continued processing investigative leads and documenting information to support the investigation.
Continued follow-up by Detective Bazzell and coordination with outside agencies led to the woman being located in Indiana, the department said.
Cross remained at the police department throughout his work on the investigation and never personally encountered the woman. The department credited his investigative groundwork with helping make her safe return possible.
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