A carjacking in Kyle, Texas, turned into a manhunt involving multiple units after police say the suspect drove off with an infant still in the back seat, only to abandon both the child and the vehicle shortly after at a nearby hospital.
The child was found unharmed, but tracking down the man responsible took a coordinated effort across two cities.
FOX 7 Austin reported that on August 31, 44-year-old Alonso Echeverria of Bastrop stole a vehicle with a 5-month-old still inside at the 800 block of Kohler’s Crossing. He drove the car to an emergency room in Buda, where he left the vehicle and the child before running off on foot.
Investigators used license plate reader technology to identify and locate the stolen car. Officers recovered the infant unharmed and reunited the child with their family.
He Was Linked to Another Theft
The investigation continued, and it was discovered that Echeverria was linked to a separate vehicle theft earlier that afternoon, around 3:30 p.m., in the 4000 block of Cromwell Drive in Kyle.
The Buda Police Department and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office joined the search for Echeverria. Police also shared his description on social media, leading to a tip from a community member that helped officers track him down near an apartment complex in the 1200 block of Cabela’s Drive.
Tried To Hide in Apartments
Officials say Echeverria attempted to evade arrest once officers located him, going as far as entering two occupied apartment homes before he was finally taken into custody.
“We are incredibly grateful the child was recovered unharmed so quickly,” Kyle Police Chief Dr. Jeff Barnett said. “This case highlights the importance of investigative resources, including automated license plate reader technology.”
Buda Police Chief Bo Kidd echoed that sentiment, stating that they were thankful for their relationships with other agencies. Crediting them for their help in bringing this case to a safe resolution.
A Long List of Charges
Echeverria is facing a wide range of charges out of Kyle, including abandoning or endangering a child, theft of property valued between $30,000 and $150,000, tampering with a government record, tampering with physical evidence, and evading arrest or detention with previous convictions, along with additional theft-related offenses, criminal mischief, and public intoxication.
Buda police also tagged on a separate charge of criminal trespass of a habitation, tied to his attempt to escape into the two occupied apartments during his arrest.