Three Arrested After Child Found Locked in Dryer at Harris County Washateria

On November 11, 2024, deputies from Constable Mark Herman’s Office responded to a call at the Hi Tek Washateria on the 13000 block of Kuykendahl Road, where a six-year-old child was reportedly locked inside a clothing dryer. Deputies arrived to find the child visibly distressed, shaking, and crying.

As deputies attempted to detain the suspects, one male suspect fled on foot. During the pursuit, a female suspect, later identified as 19-year-old Life Ford, interfered by pushing a deputy to block the chase. Ford was detained, along with 18-year-old Haven Duncan, another suspect found on the scene in possession of a loaded firearm. Deputies set a perimeter and later apprehended the fleeing suspect, identified as 20-year-old Jaqory Gill.

The investigation revealed that the child, who had been under the care of the three adults, was reportedly placed in the dryer by Haven Duncan as punishment for losing a bag of chips. Duncan secured the door, preventing the child from exiting. Ford and Gill reportedly refused to release the child, who remained in the dryer for approximately five minutes until bystanders contacted authorities. EMS evaluated the child on scene, and the child was released to a guardian. Child Protective Services was informed of the incident.

All three suspects were arrested and taken to the Harris County Jail. Duncan faces charges of Child Endangerment with a bond set at $10,000 out of the 338th District Court. Gill was charged with Evading on Foot, with a bond set at $100 out of County Court 15. Ford was charged with Interfering with the Duties of a Public Servant, with a bond set at $100 out of County Court 7.