Man accused of sexually assaulting 4-year-old girl

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A 39-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting his girlfriend's 4-year-old granddaughter is now in police custody.

It happened on Ponnel near Veterans Memorial in north Houston.

Investigators say after relatives learned of the inappropriate sexual contact with the little girl, the suspect barricaded himself in the house before surrendering to police -- and assaulted his girlfriend to keep her from calling 911.

Houston Police Department Sgt. Robert Musick said, "It's unclear right now but possibly while trying to avoid having the police called, he grabbed her, pulled her around the house, at one point took her in a chokehold and punched her twice in the face."

The child was taken to the hospital for evaluation.

Police say charges are pending.