Austin, Texas – Three Austin residents face serious charges after authorities say they left an 11-month-old baby alone in a car while spending the night bar-hopping in Downtown Austin. The incident unfolded on Dec. 15, drawing attention to child endangerment and public safety concerns.
The suspects—Gabrielle Aleman, 22; Isaiah Calvo, 25; and Jaslyn Tovar, 21—were stopped by Austin Police Department (APD) officers while allegedly illegally crossing a street outside of a crosswalk. Police reports indicate the trio appeared oblivious to oncoming traffic, nearly putting themselves and others in danger.
Arrest Encounter and Intoxication
According to court documents, officers observed slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and unsteady walking in Aleman and Calvo, suggesting significant intoxication. Both Aleman and Tovar reportedly resisted arrest, physically struggling with officers, while Calvo remained on the curb.
At no point during the arrest did any of the suspects indicate that Aleman’s 11-month-old son was in the car.
Baby Discovered in Dangerous Situation
While the three suspects were in Travis County Jail, Aleman’s aunt called authorities at 1:09 a.m., alerting them that the baby was still inside a parked vehicle in a high-crime area. APD officers arrived at 1:23 a.m. and found the baby trapped under the front passenger seat in a car seat that was not properly secured.
The outside temperature had dropped to 36°F, and the baby was not dressed appropriately for the winter weather. Fortunately, the child was unharmed and transported to a hospital as a precaution.
Evidence of Bar-Hopping
Police surveillance confirmed that Aleman, Calvo, and Tovar were visiting bars on Sixth Street from 9:56 p.m. to 11:42 p.m., leaving the baby unattended. During questioning, the suspects claimed they had intended to monitor the child via FaceTime, a plan authorities deemed highly unsafe and illegal.
Charges and Court Dates
All three face charges of child abandonment/endangerment with imminent danger of bodily injury or death, along with traffic-related misdemeanors.
- Isaiah Calvo and Jaslyn Tovar are scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 9, 2026
- Gabrielle Aleman is scheduled for Jan. 16, 2026
None of the suspects were listed as active inmates on Tuesday.
Community and Safety Concerns
The case has raised concerns among Austin residents about child safety and public intoxication. Officials emphasize that leaving a child unattended, even for a short period, can create a serious risk of injury or death, especially in cold weather or high-crime areas.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and the public is reminded that child endangerment is treated as a serious criminal offense in Texas.
How should communities address situations where children are left in dangerous conditions by adults?Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments — what precautions or actions do you think are necessary to prevent cases like this?
