Suspect in custody after taking car with 3 young girls inside in N. Harris County, HCSO says

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- The Harris County Sheriff's Office said a suspect is in custody after allegedly stealing a car with three young children inside overnight on Monday.

The incident happened on Aldine Mail Route just after 1 a.m. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez posted on social media that a woman parked and left their three daughters, ages 1, 3, and 10, in the car while she ran into the store.

Preliminary information from HCSO indicated that officials learned the 25-year-old suspect then entered the vehicle and took off, prompting a 911 call.

Sgt. Jeff Thomas with HCSO said that deputies began tracking a phone inside the car, but the suspect reportedly threw it out along the way.

According to HCSO, the 10-year-old managed to get out of the car shortly after it was stolen, but the suspect drove off with the other two younger kids. Officials said she was able to call police and was spotted walking along Aldine Bender Road. She was taken to the hospital, and it was expected to be OK.

Officials said the Humble Police Department began assisting with the search and located the vehicle in the 23000 block of the Eastex Freeway. Officers conducted a traffic stop and placed the suspect in custody.

All three of the young girls were safely found and were not harmed.

Investigators said that they will consult with the Harris County District Attorney's Office to figure out what charges the suspect would face.