Texas grandfather allegedly left 5 kids home alone in heat wave without food or air conditioning

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (TCD) -- Deputies arrested a 53-year-old man this week for allegedly leaving his five grandchildren home alone all day without food or air conditioning during a very hot day.

On Monday, June 19, at around 3:54 a.m., deputies with the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office performed a welfare check on the 17400 block of Rolling Creek Drive. Upon their arrival, deputies learned Kevin Turner allegedly left five children, ages 9, 12, 13, 13, and 16 years old, in the home without food, air conditioning, and adult supervision "on a day with a high temperature of over 98 degrees."

Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman told KPRC-TV, "A couple of them went to a local food store and were caught stealing food inside the food store."

Herman reportedly added, "They were forbidden from running the air conditioning unless the grandfather was there," and the house was "infested with roaches and just … trashy inside."

The children were allegedly home alone for 24 hours before officials arrived and transported them to a local hospital for treatment. Following medical treatment, the Constable’s Office said Child Protective Services took custody of the children.

According to KTRK-TV, Turner is the children’s grandfather but had custody of his daughter’s children.

During the investigation, Turner showed up at the home, and deputies took him into custody. He was booked into the Harris County Jail on a charge of child abandonment with a bond set at $10,000. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are possible.

MORE:

• Suspect Arrested for Leaving Children Home Without Food or Air Conditioning During These Hot Temperatures — Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office
• Bond set at $10K for grandfather accused of leaving 5 kids home alone without food, air conditioning amid scorching heat — KPRC
• Grandfather accused of leaving 5 kids without food, A/C charged with endangering child, Pct. 4 says — KTRK