CPS: Possible father comes forward in case of unknown girl

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- CPS officials confirm that a man claiming to the father of a little girl who was hurt in a car crash has come forward. CPS says the man called their hotline from Minneapolis. They have not yet been reunited, but officials say the man has provided enough credible information that they believe he is the girl's father.

The four-year-old girl, whose name is now believed to be Briana, was injured in a car crash last weekend in Sealy. She suffered a broken arm, and the man driving the car, 30-year-old Tidurcio Martin, was arrested on charges including smuggling of persons. The Austin County District Attorney said Martin is on a hold for being an illegal immigrant.

Briana is from Ecuador, according to the Ecuadorian Consulate. Police say Martin was taking the girl from San Antonio to Spring for $200, so she could meet with family members at a grocery store, but they never made it there. Authorities reached out through the media in an effort to help locate the girl's family members.

While this is a strong lead, CPS said there's still a process they must go through.

"The judge may ask for a DNA test, a way of proving he is the father. It may be a DNA test. It may be a birth certificate. It could be any number of things he would have to provide to the judge," said Tejal Patel, a CPS Spokesperson.

Patel said Briana is in good spirts but misses her family. CPS is still working to locate her mother.

For now Briana remains in the custody of Children's Protective Services. A juvenile custody hearing will be held to determine the next steps.

Meanwhile, others are reaching out to help. Powerhouse Gym in Houston is collecting donations to take to the little girl. If you would like to make a donation, you can stop by their location at 1502 Ahrens St, Houston TX 77017.