Early Thursday morning in Houston's East End, a thief stole a car outside a home while two children were inside; a 14-year-old was run over and taken to a nearby hospital with a foot injury, while the second child was safely returned to family. Police are still searching for the stolen vehicle and the suspect.
What Investigators Say
A 911 call came in around 5:15 a.m. reporting that a vehicle had been taken from a home on East Magnolia Street near Lawndale and Broadway, according to KHOU. As of late Thursday morning, police had not released any information about a suspect, and the stolen vehicle had still not been found.
Where This Fits in Houston's Crime Picture
While this case is alarming, it comes at a time when auto thefts across Houston appear to be trending down. Data cited by the Houston Chronicle show roughly a 20% drop in reported car thefts between 2023 and 2024, a decline officials credit to better public awareness and stronger vehicle security. Even so, investigators warn that a single theft can turn dangerous in an instant when children are involved.
What Happened to the Children
Investigators told KHOU that the suspect drove the stolen car about a mile down Broadway, near Loop 610, before abandoning the children. A family member later picked them up and brought them home. The 14-year-old was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of a foot injury.
Houston police are asking anyone with information about the theft or the suspect to contact HPD. This story will be updated if authorities release additional details.
