by | Published
KYLE, Texas - A man accused of stealing a vehicle with a 5-month-old baby inside and later breaking into occupied homes while trying to escape police has been arrested following a series of incidents across Kyle and Buda.
Police identified the suspect as Alonso Echeverria.
The incident began around 6 p.m. when Echeverria stole a vehicle from the 800 block of Kohlers Crossing in Kyle while the infant was still inside, according to police.
Investigators said Echeverria drove the stolen vehicle to an emergency room in Buda, where he abandoned the vehicle and the baby before fleeing on foot.
Kyle police used automated license plate reader technology to identify and locate the stolen vehicle. Officers found the infant unharmed, and the baby was reunited with family.
Police continued searching for Echeverria, and a tip from a community member eventually led officers to an apartment complex in the 1200 block of Cabela's Drive in Buda.
While attempting to get away, Echeverria broke into two occupied apartments, according to investigators.
Officers ultimately took him into custody without further incident with assistance from the Buda Police Department and Hays County Sheriff's Office.
As investigators examined the other incidents from the day, they linked Echeverria to another vehicle theft that had occurred in Kyle earlier that afternoon, police said.
Echeverria faces charges including abandoning or endangering a child, theft of property valued between $30,000 and $150,000, tampering with a government record, tampering with physical evidence and evading arrest or detention with previous convictions.
Police said he also faces multiple theft-related charges, criminal mischief and public intoxication.
The Buda Police Department is additionally charging Echeverria with criminal trespass of a habitation.
