Authorities in Texas have dropped charges against three people accused of forcing a 6-year-old boy into a laundromat dryer and turning it on for one minute.
The alleged incident took place on November 11, 2024, at the Hi Tek Washateria in Houston, according to Harris County Constable Precinct 4.
However, prosecutors dropped the case last week at the “request of the complaining witness,” according to court documents.
All three suspects faced child endangerment charges. The case against the trio for allegedly fleeing/interfering with cops and possessing a stolen gun is still ongoing, according to the docket.
The boy was not seriously injured, but he was “visibly shaking and crying,” police said. Police attempted to arrest one of the suspects, but he allegedly fled.
As deputies pursued, a woman, later identified as 19-year-old Life Ford, stepped in front of them, blocking their path.
Police eventually apprehended the fleeing suspect, 20-year-old Jaqory Gill, and arrested him. Police say the third suspect, 18-year-old Haven Duncan, was carrying a stolen gun.
Detectives examined video footage from inside the laundromat that allegedly showed Duncan picking up the boy and placing him in the dryer against his will. The boy was seen attempting to fight back but to no avail.
After allegedly stuffing the boy in the dryer, Ford shut the door, which Duncan allegedly held shut. Gill allegedly used a credit card to pay for the cycle and pressed the “on” switch.
Police said they left the boy in the dryer for a minute. Duncan took the boy out and put him in a laundry cart, which Gill and Ford began swinging around in a “very aggressive manner,” according to police.
According to the affidavit, a witness who called police to report the abuse later told detectives that the entire incident happened because the boy was upset about losing a bag of chips and they wanted to punish him.
In addition to the gun charges, Gill is charged with fleeing on foot, and Ford is accused of interfering with the duties of a public servant. All three were transported to the Harris County Jail.
According to police, a guardian picked up the boy and took him home. Child Protective Services was also notified of the incident.
