HOUSTON – Two toddlers who were missing for several hours on Wednesday will go into the care of Child Protective Services.
Around 9 a.m., the two boys, who were estimated to be approximately 2 and 3 years old, were found in the 11600 block of Sharpview Drive.
The boys were wearing long-sleeve pajamas and were unable to speak when they were found, according to police.
“I saw a boy standing at my garage door,” neighbor Elizabeth Reynolds said.
She went outside to help, when a next door neighbor approached with another little boy.
“You could tell obviously they were brothers and, you know, we were trying to talk to them, ask their name, and they were so small, you know, no names,” Reynolds said.
They didn’t recognize the kids and the neighbor called 911.
“Tried to keep them in the shade because they had on like winter pajamas, no shoes. So we gave them water and, you know, little crackers for a snack,” she said.
First responders rushed the boys to the hospital uninjured. Six hours later, HPD got a call from their family to report them missing.
Family members were seen speaking to investigators outside a home down the street from Reynolds for several hours on Wednesday evening. The boys were evaluated at Texas Children’s Hospital.
Both children were transported to the hospital to be evaluated, but once discharged, CPS said they will be released into their care.
CPS released the following statement regarding the situation:
“CPS is thankful the boys were found unharmed and that neighbors cared for the children until law enforcement arrived. The boys, approximately 2 and 3 years old, appear to be healthy and are being evaluated at Texas Children’s. Once discharged from the hospital the boys will be released into CPS care.”
Houston police told KPRC 2 the family has a history with CPS and it’s possible a family member who was supposed to be watching the kids fell asleep.
No charges have been filed.
“You think someone would have noticed that two small little boys like that were missing,” Reynolds said. “We were just glad we were here.”