Child's screams thwart attempted abduction at bus stop, police say

SPLENDORA, Texas – Authorities are commending a 10-year-old girl for doing exactly what they want all children to do when a stranger calls out to them or they find themselves in danger.

Two men were arrested Tuesday after authorities said they attempted to abduct the girl in Splendora.

Police said the men tried to take the child from her bus stop to a nearby trailer near the intersection of Midline Road and U.S. 59.

The girl screamed for help and a neighbor was able to thwart the abduction, according to police.

“She absolutely did the right thing tonight by fleeing and screaming for help," Splendora Independent School District Police Chief Rex Evans said. "It attracted the attention of the neighbor down the street who came to her aid and called for help.”

Evans said it was an emotional scene to respond to and they are still trying to piece together what happened. 

“It hurts your heart to see a little10-year-old child shaking and crying and just emotionally distraught,” Evans said.

Parents in Splendora are outraged.

“They are supposed to be safe getting off the bus going home, they are not supposed to have to be scared someone is going to take them,” said parent David Davis. 

“It's nauseating, it's literally nauseating, I can’t even fathom something like that happening to my child,” said Katherine Brown. She lives in the area where the incident happened and said she plans to speak with her children about Stranger Danger.

The men were arrested at the trailer, which officials said was in deplorable condition and could be a drug house.

“The trailer is in deplorable condition,” Evans said. “It’s abandoned. The doors are off the hinges. There’s human waste located throughout the trailer. Trash, debris, a lot of narcotic paraphernalia.”

Both men have been charged with public intoxication and remain in Montgomery County Jail Wednesday morning.

The men have not yet been charged with attempted abduction, but Evans said the men matched the description the girl gave. 

Authorities said the abduction charges could come Wednesday or Thursday depending on their investigation.


About the Authors:

Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli has been a digital news editor at KPRC 2 since 2018. She is a published poet and has background in creative writing and journalism. Daniela has covered events like Hurricane Harvey and the Astros World Series win. In her spare time, Daniela is an avid reader and loves to spend time with her two miniature dachshunds.