The mother of a missing 5-year-old boy who police said never left his house is still refusing to cooperate with law enforcement as the boy’s father was reportedly seen being driven away from his house by an undercover police officer.
Andrew Freund Jr., known as “A.J.,” was reported missing from Crystal Lake, Illinois, on April 18.
The boy’s mother, Joann Cunningham, said through her lawyer Friday that since she thought she was considered a suspect she would no longer cooperate with the police. As the lawyer spoke, Cunningham cried beside him but didn’t speak.
The announcement came after Crystal Lake police said on Friday that after a search of the area, they believe the boy never left the house and was not abducted, seemingly implicating one of the adults in his life.
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has long history with family of missing Crystal Lake 5-year-old, agency confirms, as police raid the boy’s home https://t.co/uZvZ2Jsb5w pic.twitter.com/xQHtIiSqXb
— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) April 20, 2019
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services took Cunningham’s younger child into their custody. The agency had repeated contact with the family after A.J. was born with opiates in his system. He was briefly taken from his birth parents shortly after he was born but was later returned to them.
Andrew Freund Sr., A.J.’s father, was seen on April 20 being driven away from his house around 1 p.m., reported NBC 5.
“Around 1 p.m. Saturday, undercover police officers arrived at the home of Andrew Freund, the father of missing five-year-old Andrew Freund Jr., and announced that they had a warrant. The officers were seeking the elder Freund’s help in finding his son, and after a short time he got into the back of a police car, without handcuffs, and left the home,” the broadcaster reported.
“Freund Sr. did not respond to reporters’ questions as he got into the police car.”
Officers arrive at home of missing Crystal Lake boy, father leaves scene with police https://t.co/jvBUygsJl9
— NBC Chicago (@nbcchicago) April 20, 2019
Investigators said Freund Sr. had spoken to the police for several hours but said on Monday morning that his mother “continues to be uncooperative with police,” according to a statement from the Crystal Lake Police Department.
Crystal Lake police Chief Jim Black, though, told the Chicago Tribune that neither parent was providing much information.
“The fact that both parents have stopped cooperating with us certainly raises our suspicions,” Black said on Saturday, calling the situation “disturbing.”
NEW: From Crystal Lake police on missing 5 yr-old AJ Freund: “As of today’s date, JoAnn Cunningham, the boy’s mother, continues to be uncooperative with police. On Saturday afternoon, Andrew Freund, the boy’s father, did speak with police detectives.”
— Rob Elgas (@RobElgasABC7) April 22, 2019
A reporter who spotted Freund Sr. leaving the police station shortly before 5 p.m. asked him what happened.
“Nothing definitive yet,’’ he responded. “Pray for the safe return of my son,’’ he said.
Asked how the last several days had been for him, Freund Sr. added, “Hell. It’s been hell. Hell on earth.’’
George Kililis, Cunningham’s attorney, told the Chicago Sun-Times that a hearing was set for April 23 at the McHenry County Courthouse regarding the removal of Cunningham’s other child.
In a news release Monday, police said the mother of missing 5-year-old Andrew “AJ” Freund of Crystal Lake “continues to be uncooperative” as their investigation focuses on the boy’s home and those who may have seen him last. https://t.co/qiPZ7HDqIV
— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) April 22, 2019
On Friday, Freund Sr. had urged anyone with information to come forward while speaking directly to his son.
“AJ, please come home. We love you very much,” Freund Sr. told reporters. “You’re not in any trouble. We’re just worried to death. Please, please come home.”
A.J. was described as 3 feet,5 inches tall, weighing 70 pounds, with short blonde hair. He was last seen wearing a blue Mario sweatshirt and black sweatpants.
Anyone with information regarding A.J.’s disappearance was asked to call police at 815-356-3620 or text an anonymous tip to 847411 with “CLPDTIP” at the beginning of the message.