Recently, Sgt. M. Novak and Officer M. Grossbard, of the Midwest Patrol Divisional Gang Unit were flagged down by citizens in the 7600 block of Clarewood regarding a kidnapping. A woman was crying and stated a stranger had taken her baby. Witnesses stated the suspect ran to an apartment complex at 7600 Moonmist. After collecting a suspect description, the officers drove until they spotted a man matching the description carrying a baby.

Officers stopped to question the suspect, and he ran from officers. The officers chased the suspect through the apartment complex where the man abandoned the baby. While the officers stopped to recover the child and ensure his safety, assisting units arrived and established a perimeter around the apartment complex.

With the help of witnesses, it was revealed that the suspect lived in the apartment complex with his cousin. The cousin allowed the officers to enter the apartment and, with the help of Officer M. Barnette, his K-9 partner “Dexter,” and other officers, the suspect was placed into custody. The child was uninjured and returned to his family.

Sgt. Novak, Officer Grossbard, and Officer D. Vinton coordinated the transport of witnesses to the Midwest Station for interviews. Officer D. Culver went to the laundry mat where the kidnapping occurred and obtained surveillance video of the incident. After relaying the facts of the case to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, the charge of Aggravated Kidnapping was accepted.

HPD would like to commend these officers, and the citizens who aided them, for a job well done!