The child’s father was charged with abandoning or endangering the toddler, according to prison information.
Livingston, Texas — The McLean family lives close enough to Livingston for comfort, but far enough away from most evil.
“It’s just peaceful and quiet,” Kathryn McLean said.
They said every little thing was huge until Saturday morning, when their security cameras recorded a largely bald man checking their car door before stealing a neighbor’s truck. The sound of him leaving the scene woke her up.
“We’re referring to the neighbors where they usually report it stolen,” John McClain said.
The thrill they thought was over was just beginning.
Her dog Archie can be seen barking at an event in her shed in residential security footage. When John walked over to analyze it, he made a surprising discovery.
“He said, ‘Name 911, have a child,'” Kathryn said.
Catherine’s first thought was that it might be a small snake or some other animal.
“He said, ‘Quickly name 911,'” Catherine said. “‘There’s a toddler here.'”
A lady in the shed is lying.
“As soon as I opened it (the shed door), the baby was right next to the bike,” John said.
Catherine said the dispatcher suggested she could pick up the baby, which she did before taking her home. Photos show the child wrapped in a towel, ready for an ambulance to arrive.
The child was tested at the residence before being taken to a Houston hospital.
“I’m a mother,” Catherine said. “I used to be pretty determined and just in shock. Still, it got me a little bit.”
The child’s father was at the wheel when the stolen truck was later found, authorities said. He was sent to the Polk County Jail for price and for abandoning or endangering the toddler, the information shows. His car was found abandoned near railroad tracks near the back of the McLean property, officials said.
“I just want him to come out and take care of his kids and clean up his behavior,” John said.
Catherine said she was ready to have the woman join her family.
“I just need her to be completely happy and have a good life, you understand?” Katherine said. “If you give them to me, I’ll take them right away. She or he will never be afraid again.”
McClain’s security cameras recorded the suspect holding the baby before entering the shed. He appears to have spent hours with her before he left and the truck was stolen. The McClains will not share the video until law enforcement receives a copy.
The child’s condition is unknown but is believed to be serious.
KHOU 11 Information tried unsuccessfully to succeed among family members of the child’s father.
Abandoned nursery shed in Livingston, Texas