In a startling turn of events, three Austin residents were arrested after leaving an 11-month-old baby alone in a car in 36-degree weather for several hours while they visited bars in downtown Austin.
Arrests and Charges
The suspects, Gabrielle Aleman (22), Jaslyn Tovar (21), and Isaiah Calvo (25), were charged with child abandonment. They were also charged with resisting arrest and, for Tovar, interference with public duties. All were taken to the Travis County Jail without reporting any noteworthy statements to the officers involved.
Police Encounter on East Sixth Street
Police officers witnessed the trio violating pedestrian traffic laws on East Sixth Street. Aleman and Calvo continued walking while an officer attempted to detain and cite them. Both ignored commands to stop and “come here.” Calvo eventually complied, but Aleman tried to walk away until another officer caught up with her. Signs of intoxication were noted, leading to arrests for evading detention.
Tovar’s Interference
During the detainment attempt, Tovar approached and appeared to reach for Aleman’s property on the ground. When officers told her to back up, she continued to encroach, grabbed an officer’s arm, and tried to pull him away from Aleman. The officer decided to arrest her for interference with public duties; she also refused to comply and was charged with resisting arrest.
Baby Retrieval and Medical Assessment
About an hour later, the Austin Police Department received a call from Aleman’s aunt, who identified her niece as the arrested suspect. APD searched the East Sixth Street area for the vehicle and the child. Officers found the baby after breaking a window of the vehicle. Austin Travis County Emergency Medical Services assessed the infant and determined there were no obvious injuries and no need for hospitalization. The vehicle’s ambient temperature was recorded at 36°F.
Suspects’ Plan and the Child’s Condition
Interviews with the suspects revealed a plan to monitor the child via FaceTime. The baby was left without appropriate winter clothing or a blanket and was found pinned under an improperly anchored car seat inside the vehicle. The area where the vehicle was parked was described as a well-documented dangerous high-crime area.
Key Takeaways
- Three Austin residents were arrested for child abandonment after leaving an 11-month-old baby in a 36-degree car for hours.
- Police found the infant safe, with no injuries, and no hospitalization required.
- The suspects had a plan to monitor the child via FaceTime and left the baby without winter clothing or a blanket.
The incident highlights the seriousness of child abandonment cases and the swift response of Austin police in protecting vulnerable children.
