3 arrested, charged for locking 6-year-old child inside a dryer at a Houston laundromat

Three people have been arrested in Houston after a 6-year-old child was locked inside a clothes dryer.

Harris County Precinct 4 deputies say Haven Duncan, 18, faces child endangerment charges after authorities say he locked a child inside a dryer for about five minutes at a public laundromat on Monday.

Jaqory Gill, 20, and Life Ford, 19, were also arrested in connection with the case. The child was in the care of all three individuals, according to reports.

Duncan had probable cause court Tuesday, where the judge clarified some details of what happened at the Hi Tek Washateria on Kuykendahl Road in North Houston. It started when the child became upset about losing a bag of chips. Video from the laundromat shows Duncan lifting the child into the dryer.

"One of the others, I believe it's Life Ford, helps you hold the dryer door closed, and Mr. Gill, Jagory inserts money and starts the dryer. This is reportedly shown on video, and the dryer ran for approximately a minute before the child was taken out," the judge read out loud.

Witnesses notified authorities of the incident. According to the precinct, Gill evaded responding officers on foot, and Ford pushed a deputy in an attempt to delay pursuit. Duncan was found in possession of a loaded firearm. All three adults were arrested.

EMS examined the child, who was "visibly shaking and crying," precinct deputies say. It was confirmed that the child was trapped inside the dryer for approximately five minutes before bystanders called 911. The child was released to a guardian who arrived at the laundromat. Authorities say Child Protective Services was made aware of the case.

Constable Mark Herman says Duncan, Gill and Ford were booked into the Harris County Jail. Duncan faces child endangerment charges and has a bond set at $10,000 out of the 338th District Court. Gill is charged with evading on foot, with a bond of $100 out of County Court 15. Ford also has a $100 bond, but out of County Court 7 for interfering with the duties of a public servant.

Gill and Ford have posted bond, Fox Houston reports.