A quiet stretch of State Highway 6 in west Harris County turned into the scene of a late-night mystery early Tuesday, when Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies found a 3-year-old child alone near Via Del Norte just after midnight. Patrol deputies spotted the child at the roadside and immediately launched a search for a parent or guardian. Officials have not released the child’s name or explained how the child ended up there.
According to KPRC Click2Houston, deputies confirmed the child was alone when they arrived at the scene around midnight. Investigators told the station they are checking nearby daycare centers in hopes that staff might recognize the child, and they are urging anyone with information to contact authorities. So far, investigators have not disclosed any additional details about the circumstances.
Where deputies are searching
Deputies say they are canvassing surrounding neighborhoods and nearby childcare facilities as they work to identify the child’s family. The Harris County Sheriff's Office lists a non-emergency number and an information line on its site for residents who want to share tips or report any possible sightings.
Context: a spate of unattended-child calls
The case comes amid a string of recent calls about children found alone in different parts of Harris County, which has neighbors on edge. A mid-April case in northeast Houston involved deputies discovering a toddler outside a home and describing the inside of the residence as in disarray, and FOX 26 has reported on other investigations into alleged child neglect in the Katy and west Harris County area.
How to help
Residents who recognize the description of the situation or believe they might have seen the child in the area are asked to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line or send tips through local precinct channels. Deputies have not shared further information about the case, according to KPRC Click2Houston.
