Vehicle stolen with 5-month-old inside; Kyle police arrest suspect

KYLE, Texas - The Kyle Police Department says it has arrested a man for a series of crimes across Kyle and Buda, including multiple vehicle thefts.

The suspect has been identified as 44-year-old Alonso Echeverria of Bastrop.

5-month-old inside stolen vehicle: What happened

The backstory:

Kyle PD says at around 6 p.m. on August 31, Echeverria stole a vehicle from the 800 block of Kohlers Crossing in Kyle with a five-month-old child still inside. 

Echeverria drove the vehicle to an emergency room in Buda where he abandoned both the vehicle and the child before fleeing on foot.

Investigators used automated license plate reader technology to quickly identify and locate the stolen vehicle. Officers recovered the unharmed infant and reunited the child with the family.

Dig deeper:

Officials say as the investigation continued, evidence was discovered linking Echeverria to another vehicle theft that happened at 3:30 p.m. in the 4000 block of Cromwell Drive in Kyle.

Kyle PD was joined by officers from Buda Police Department and the Hays County Sheriff's Office and a search began for Echeverria. 

Following a social media post with Echeverria's description, a tip from a community member helped officers locate him near an apartment complex in the 1200 block of Cabela's Drive.

Officials say Echeverria attempted to evade arrest and entered two occupied apartment homes before being taken into custody.

What they're saying:

"We are incredibly grateful the child was recovered unharmed so quickly," said Dr. Jeff Barnett, Kyle police chief. "This case highlights the importance of investigative resources, including automated license plate reader technology.

"We are thankful for the strong partnerships among local law enforcement agencies that helped bring this incident to a safe resolution." Buda police chief, Bo Kidd added.

What's next:

Echeverria has been charged with the following: 

• Abandoning or endangering a child
• Theft of property valued between $30,000 and $150,000
• Tampering with a government record
• Tampering with physical evidence,
• Evading arrest or detention with previous convictions
• Multiple theft-related offenses, criminal mischief, and public intoxication.

The Buda Police Department additionally charged Echeverria with criminal trespass of a habitation.

Crime and Public SafetyKyleCrimeWatch