HCSO: Shoplifter leaves boy, 5, behind during getaway

HOUSTON – A man has been accused of stealing meat from a grocery store and leaving a 5-year-old behind.

Harris County sheriff's deputies said a security officer tried to stop Darin Brooks, 46, as he was leaving a Kroger store on F.M. 1960 near the North Freeway on Sunday.

Investigators said the security officer told them that he saw Brooks walking out of the store with a package of meat that had not been purchased.

The security officer followed Brooks into the parking lot, but Brooks got into an SUV and drove away, deputies said.

Brooks had gone to the store with his 5-year-old nephew, but he didn't leave with him, investigators said.

Detectives said Brooks called the boy's mother after he left the store and told them where to find the boy.

Brooks has been charged with abandoning a child. Investigators have not found him to take him into custody.

Anyone with information regarding Brooks' whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.