Lance Warner, 50, is charged with endangering a child and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in the 209th State District Court.
While shopping at a convenience store at the above address, the boy's mother left him in her vehicle with the engine running. Police say while she was inside the store, Warner got into the vehicle and drove away, with the child still inside. The five-year-old boy was later left unharmed in the parking lot of a grocery store in the 4200 block of San Jacinto.
Early Sunday morning, the stolen vehicle was recovered by HPD patrol officers in the 14600 block of Fondren. At that time, a witness identified Warner who was then detained at the scene by the officers.
Police say items belonging to the mother were discovered in Warner's possession. Warner reportedly confessed to stealing the vehicle, but claims he did not know the child was inside at the time. He also admitted to dropping the boy off in the grocery store parking lot.
At this time, Warner is the only person charged in this case. The investigation is continuing.
