Woman Driver Arrested in Southside Houston After High-Speed Chase With Young Unrestrained Children In Vehicle

HOUSTON, Texas – A woman is facing felony charges after leading deputies on a high-speed chase in Harris County while two young children were inside her vehicle.

On March 16, 2026, a Harris County Precinct 7 deputy observed a gray Kia K5 traveling eastbound on Loop 610 near Cullen Boulevard in the Southside area at a high rate of speed.

The deputy paced the vehicle at approximately 85 miles per hour and confirmed the speed using radar, noting it was more than 10 percent above the posted 60 mph limit.

When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over, leading to a pursuit.

Authorities said the driver had multiple opportunities to stop but continued fleeing before exiting at Crestmont/Mykawa and pulling into a driveway in the 5900 block of Southmont Street.

A felony stop was conducted, and the driver, identified as Layla Balleza, was taken into custody without incident.

During the investigation, deputies discovered two children inside the vehicle—a 5-year-old boy in the front passenger seat and a 3-year-old girl in the backseat. Officials said both children were not properly secured in appropriate restraints.

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office accepted charges of felony evading in a motor vehicle and child endangerment.

Balleza was transported to the Harris County Joint Processing Center.

The case remains under investigation.