6-year-old Spring boy safely returned to family hours after kidnapping

SPRING, Texas (KTRK) -- A 6-year-old boy with autism, who authorities say was taken by his mother's ex-boyfriend in Spring, was found safe Tuesday morning.

ABC13 was there as authorities from the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office and the Houston Police Department recovered Preston Fears safely at FM 1960 and Aldine Westfield.

Preston was placed in his grandfather's arms in a blanket as the child was not wearing clothes.

An Amber Alert was issued around 10 p.m. Monday after Preston was last seen in the 3100 block of Clear Wing Court, where authorities responded to a call for abduction and family violence.

Officials say the ex-boyfriend of Preston's mother was mad because she broke up with him.

The man, identified as 37-year-old Brandon Spears, assaulted the woman, took Preston and left in her car, triggering the Amber Alert, according to authorities.

Spears had also taken the woman's cell phone, which is how authorities were able to track him, Constable Mark Herman said.

Hours after the abduction, around 3-4 a.m., Spears ran a red light in front of a Houston police officer near I-45 and Crosstimbers, sparking a chase until the front tire of the car blew out.

Preston was found safe inside the vehicle.

Spears, who already had warrants for his arrest and was known to have violent tendencies, was taken into custody.

He now faces charges of felony evading, child endangerment, kidnapping and family violence with prior conditions, the latter meaning Spears has faced family violence charges in the past.

WATCH: Constable Mark Herman says suspect in Amber Alert a 'career criminal' | Full video on how kidnapped child was found

Constable Mark Herman said the suspect wanted in an Amber Alert case is a "career criminal." Here's how they tracked him down to bring a 6-year-old with autism to safety.

Preston has since been reunited with his mother.

Spears' bond has not yet been set.

If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the Houston Area Women's Center at (713) 528- 2121. They can offer resources to help you get out of a bad situation.

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