Father accused of kidnapping toddler appears in court
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Austin father accused in an Amber Alert kidnapping and police chase made his first appearance in a Harris County courtroom today.
Prosecutors say Jesse Thomas kidnapped his 2-year-old daughter Cheyenne Infinity Johnson from a relative's home in Austin Friday and headed for the Houston area.
Court records say Thomas was spotted by law enforcement in the Houston area at least twice Friday night and early Saturday morning, each time leading authorities on a brief chase.
Harris County Sheriff's deputies spotted Thomas again late Saturday morning, that's when prosecutors said Thomas first pulled over then sped off again, reaching speeds of up to 140 miles per hour.
According to court records, little Cheyanne was in the car during the high-speed chases, her car seat rocking back and forth.
Deputies were forced to release spike strips to stop Thomas. Then there was a two-hour standoff where police communicated with Thomas through an open window of the vehicle.
Deputies say they asked Thomas to let the child go, which he eventually did do. Once the child was at a safe distance, deputies say they say they stormed the vehicle and arrested Thomas.
Thomas is being held on a $50,000 bond at the Harris County jail.
