College Station, September 23, 2025
News Summary
A 16-year-old male was arrested in College Station after driving a stolen vehicle with two toddlers unrestrained in the backseat. The vehicle was reported missing when the owner briefly left it running. Police pursued and apprehended the driver, who now faces charges including Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle and Endangering a Child. The incident highlights the dangers of leaving vehicles running and unsecured, prompting police to urge better vehicle safety practices in the community.
College Station – A 16-year-old male was arrested early Monday morning after being found driving a stolen vehicle with two toddlers in the backseat, unrestrained. The incident occurred just before midnight on Sunday on Harvey Road, where the vehicle owner reported it missing after briefly stepping inside their home while leaving the engine running with the keys in the ignition.
According to the College Station police, the vehicle was discovered approximately an hour later, around 1:00 a.m., when officers identified a vehicle matching the description of the stolen car. This led to a pursuit towards the Southgate Village Apartments where the teenage driver was apprehended. The police also detained two passengers who were in the car at the time.
Upon searching the vehicle, officers found the two toddlers, both under the age of two, in the backseat without proper child restraints. Fortunately, all three individuals in the vehicle, including the children and the passengers, were safely released following the incident. The 16-year-old driver faced several charges, including Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle and Endangering a Child (two counts in total).
This incident underscores the dangers associated with leaving vehicles running and unlocked, especially when children are involved. It serves as a cautionary tale for residents to always lock their vehicles and hide valuables to prevent theft and other related incidents.
In light of this occurrence, the College Station police are urging the community to take necessary precautions, such as ensuring that vehicles are turned off, locked, and equipped with appropriate safety measures for child passengers.
The police department has reiterated the importance of vehicle safety practices to avoid similar incidents in the future. Leaving cars running with keys inside can increase the risk of auto theft and compromise the safety of passengers, particularly young children.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, but authorities hope this situation raises awareness about vehicle safety and child safety, encouraging the public to remain vigilant and proactive.
FAQs
What charges did the 16-year-old driver face?
The 16-year-old was charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle and Endangering a Child (two counts).
Where did the incident take place?
The incident occurred on Harvey Road in College Station.
What were the ages of the toddlers found in the vehicle?
The toddlers found in the vehicle were both under the age of two.
What safety measures do police recommend?
Police recommend locking vehicles, not leaving them running, and ensuring children are properly secured in child safety seats.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Harvey Road, College Station |
| Time of Incident | Just before midnight on Sunday |
| Driver’s Age | 16 years old |
| Charges | Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle; Endangering a Child (2 counts) |
| Passengers | Two other passengers; two toddlers found unrestrained |
| Police Advice | Lock vehicles; avoid leaving them running with keys inside |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- KBTX: Vehicle Burglaries at Local Parks
- Wikipedia: Car Theft
- KWTX: Stolen Vehicle with Firearms
- Google Search: AK-47 in Stolen Car
- KBTX: Hospital Parking Lot Theft Concerns
- Google Scholar: Parking Lot Security
- WTAW: Arrests for Unlocked Stolen Cars
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Car Theft Prevention
- KBTX: Convicted Felon Arrested with Stolen Firearm
- Google News: Stolen Firearm Arrest
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
