HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – Dominique Edwards cannot stop thinking about what he saw while driving home late Tuesday night in north Harris County.
“I still think what could have happened,” Edwards said. “I had nightmares that night.”
Edwards discovered a 2-year-old walking along the feeder road of Northwest Freeway near Vista Drive.
“At that moment, I just kind of blanked out,” he said.
Edwards called for help and posted a video on social media hoping someone knew something about the little girl.
“I can’t stop crying. I don’t even know what to think right now. I’m praying to God it’s some kind of mistake,” Edwards said in the video.
Authorities said they were able to get the child to safety and started trying to locate the toddler’s family.
After some searching, constable deputies said they found an open door at a nearby Super 8 motel where two other children, aged 8 and 3, were asleep inside.
When Juliana Gomez, 27, later returned to the room, authorities said she admitted to leaving the children behind while she went out to eat with a friend.
“I’m not one to judge everyone makes mistakes just learn from that and come back stronger,” Edwards said.
Edwards posted a picture of the little girl smiling. He said he is grateful to have met the angel.
“I’m just a dad. I’m a father. I would hope if my kids were in that situation anyone else would do the same thing,” he said.
Gomez was arrested and charged with child endangerment. She has since bonded out.
Child Protective Services took custody of the children.
Gomez has a preliminary court appearance on April 15.