Police say 2-year-old Iryana Vaughn was abducted by her father, Iryin Vaughn, who is wanted in the death of the girl's mother, Gwynevere Wright.
Racine police issued an Amber Alert at approximately 12: 15 a.m. Wednesday after the 27-year-old mother was found dead in her apartment.
Chicago police -- who assisted Racine police in the search -- confirm they have 25-year-old Iryin Vaughn in custody. They also say the girl was taken to Comer Children's Hospital as a precaution, but she is OK.
Officers located Vaughn Wednesday morning after they received a tip from a caller telling them that they spotted the car -- a 1998 blue Ford Expedition with an Illinois license plate.
Authorities located the pair on near 98th Street and Yates on Chicago's South Side.
Police say Vaughn is no stranger to them.
"We have had contact with that individual and the victim in the last year or so," Racine Police Sgt. Martin Pavilonis said.
Racine officers are heading to Chicago to wrap up the case.
"We're sending officers and investigators down to speak to the father of the child, as well as to assist in any investigative preference we have down there," said Pavilonis.
The incident was shocking to neighbors living near the scene where police caught up with Vaughn. They say they're keeping their eyes open.
"It makes me aware. It heightens my sense of awareness. You never know what is going on around you. You have to be on the lookout," one person said.
Racine police said the couple did not live together, but Iryin Vaughn did spend a lot of time in Wisconsin, where police have responded to the mother's home many times.
Iryin Vaughn has an address on the South Side of Chicago in the 7600-block of South Colfax.
There was no immediate word on next steps for little Iryana Vaughn.
Gwynevere Wright's family has set up a memorial fund at Chase Bank: the Gwynevere Wright Memorial Fund. Wright did not have insurance so the family is hoping for donations.
