Three individuals have been taken into custody in Texas following accusations of putting a 6-year-old boy inside a dryer at a laundromat and activating it for a brief period.
On Monday at approximately 11 p.m., an incident occurred at the Hi Tek Washateria in Houston, as reported by the Harris County Constable Precinct 4. Upon arrival, deputies found the boy in a state of distress, visibly shaking and crying, though he was not seriously injured, according to the office. Officers attempted to apprehend a suspect, but he reportedly fled the scene.
A woman, identified as 19-year-old Life Ford, intervened as deputies pursued, positioning herself in their path. Police apprehended the suspect, 20-year-old Jaqory Gill, after a pursuit. Police reported that the third suspect, 18-year-old Haven Duncan, was found in possession of a stolen firearm.
The arrested individuals are:
- 19-year-old Life Ford;
- 20-year-old Jaqory Gill and
- 18-year-old Haven Duncan.
Investigators examined footage from the laundromat that reportedly captured Duncan lifting the boy and putting him into the dryer without consent. The boy attempted to resist, but it was unsuccessful.
Ford reportedly placed the boy in the dryer and then closed the door, while Duncan kept it secured. Gill paid for the cycle with a credit card and pressed the “on” button. Reports suggest that the boy was left in the dryer for a minute. Duncan placed the boy into a laundry cart, while Gill and Ford began swinging it around in a notably aggressive way, according to police reports.
A witness who contacted authorities about the abuse later informed detectives that the entire incident happened because the boy was upset over a lost bag of chips, and they intended to discipline him, according to the affidavit.
Three suspects are charged with endangering a child. Gill is also facing charges for fleeing on foot, while Ford is charged with obstructing a public servant’s duties. The trio was transported to the Harris County Jail. By Wednesday afternoon, Duncan was the only one still in jail.
A guardian brought the boy home, according to police reports. Authorities were notified regarding the situation involving the child.