Harris County Father Charged After Children Found Walking Barefoot in Extreme Heat

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A Harris County man was arrested after deputies discovered two young children wandering barefoot through an apartment complex after allegedly being forced out of their home for several hours in extreme heat.

According to Constable Mark Herman’s Office, deputies responded on June 22 to the Everlee Apartments in the 23900 block of Kuykendahl Road after receiving a welfare check request from a concerned citizen.

The caller reported seeing two children, ages 6 and 11, walking alone through the apartment complex without shoes.

Deputies launched an investigation and learned that the children’s father, identified as 40-year-old Brandon Atkinson, had allegedly forced the children out of the apartment approximately two hours earlier after becoming upset with them.

Authorities said the children were left outside in dangerous temperatures while Atkinson remained inside the residence.

When deputies made contact with Atkinson, they observed multiple signs of intoxication, according to investigators.

The children were safely released to a guardian at the scene. Child Protective Services was notified and advised of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Atkinson was arrested and booked into the Harris County Jail on a charge of Child Endangerment. Authorities said his bond had not yet been set by the 263rd District Court.

Constable Mark Herman praised the citizen who reported the situation and emphasized the dangers children face when exposed to extreme Texas heat.

“No child should ever be forced to endure dangerous conditions, especially in the extreme Texas heat,” Herman said in a statement. “The actions of this father placed these children at serious risk. Thanks to a vigilant citizen who saw something and said something, these children were located and placed in a safe environment.”

The case remains under investigation.