HOUSTON, TX – Three individuals were apprehended in Texas after allegedly subjecting a young child to a horrifying ordeal inside a laundromat. The incident took place at the Hi Tek Washateria in Houston on Monday night around 11 p.m., according to officials from the Harris County Constable Precinct 4.

Police reported that upon their arrival, the 6-year-old boy, though not critically injured, was found visibly distressed and weeping.

Efforts to detain one of the suspects initially proved challenging as Jaqory Gill, 20, attempted to flee the scene. During the pursuit, 19-year-old Life Ford reportedly obstructed the officers’ path, but authorities eventually managed to detain Gill.

Haven Duncan, 18, was the third suspect in the case. Authorities stated that he was found in possession of a stolen firearm. Video surveillance from the laundromat depicted Duncan forcibly placing the young boy inside a dryer. The footage showed the child resisting but being overpowered.

Further footage revealed Ford closing the dryer door while Duncan held it firmly shut. With Gill’s assistance, payment was made using a credit card, and the dryer was activated, trapping the boy inside for roughly a minute. Upon retrieving the child, Gill and Ford reportedly placed him in a laundry cart and swung it in a manner described by police as aggressive.

A witness later informed investigators that the unsettling incident transpired because the boy was crying after losing a bag of chips, and the suspects apparently intended to discipline him.

The three suspects have been charged with child endangerment. Additional charges include evading arrest on foot for Gill and obstruction of a public servant for Ford. They were subsequently transported to the Harris County Jail, with only Duncan remaining in custody as of Wednesday afternoon.

After the ordeal, the child was released to the care of a guardian, and Child Protective Services have been informed to ensure the boy’s welfare.