Cypress man accused of holding children's mother captive in closet

CYPRESS, Texas (KTRK) -- A Cypress man is being held without bond after investigators accused him of kidnapping the mother of his children, handcuffing her and keeping her locked inside a closet for an extended period of time before she escaped.

Warren Brown is charged with aggravated kidnapping, according to court records. Brown allegedly held the woman against her will inside a home on Darby Retreat Lane, where investigators said he locked her in a closet, sexually assaulted her, checked on her hourly, and refused to let her leave.

Authorities said the woman escaped after realizing Brown had left the home. Court records state she fled while still handcuffed and was found by a neighbor, who gave her food and stayed with her until law enforcement officers arrived.

Investigators later searched the home and reported finding evidence that included zip ties, a deadbolt lock and fast-food wrappers inside the closet where the woman was allegedly confined.

Neighbors said they were stunned by the allegations, describing the neighborhood as quiet and saying Brown had appeared friendly during brief interactions.

"I'd see him outside sometimes taking out the trash," one neighbor said. "I'd say, 'How you doing?' and go on my way."

Another neighbor said they had occasionally seen Brown arguing with a woman outside the home but never suspected anything like what investigators described.

Constables and other law enforcement officers responded to the home as part of the investigation.

Court records show Brown was denied bond on the aggravated kidnapping charge. He is due back in court on Tuesday.