Woman allegedly left child while fleeing theft scene at Dillard's in Deerbrook Mall, police said

ByJessica Willey KTRK logo

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Woman accused of leaving child while fleeing theft scene, police said

Authorities are hoping to find a woman suspected of being involved in theft at Dillard's and leaving a small child behind, Humble police said.

HUMBLE, Texas (KTRK) -- A woman ditched her daughter to save herself after committing a crime at a Dillard's store, police said.

On Tuesday, Humble police took to Facebook to share photos of the woman and ask for help in identifying her. Police said she's suspected of stealing $600 in clothing from the department store inside Deerbrook Mall with her daughter in tow.

"That's pretty messed up, bro," one shopper, Bruce Evans, said. "I'm kind of worried about the baby. The baby's got a messed up mother."

According to Lt. Michael Nansel, the woman was also with a friend, and they were hiding the theft items in the child's stroller. An off-duty deputy was working an extra job and stopped them. The man was detained, but the mom took off with her child and the stroller.

"The deputy gave chase into the parking lot, where she pushed the stroller away and ran to a car," Nansel explained. "The deputy made the decision to save the baby, as opposed to catching the theft suspect. So, he caught the baby, brought the baby back, took the man into custody, and called us."

Nansel said they received numerous tips. The mother faces a misdemeanor theft charge and possibly child endangerment or abandonment. Public opinion has been harsh.

"I think we need to call CPS and take the child because, no, that's just not good parenting," a shopper, Christiona Papillion, who weighed in, said.