Man accused of kidnapping kids in day care van due in court

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The man accused of kidnapping 5 kids inside their day care van will appear before Judge Brad Hart Tuesday. Brenton Simmons, 24, is requesting a court-appointed lawyer.

Simmons is charged with five counts of kidnapping. Houston Police Investigators say Latonya Jackson was traveling with the children inside her day care van.

Jackson's company is called JTD Transportation. Police say Jackson stopped at a Jack in the Box on West Belfort and went inside the restaurant with her own son. Within moments, police say Simmons jumped into the van and sped off with the kids inside.

Eyewitness News will bring you live updates from the courthouse today at 11 a.m.