Suspect arrested for stealing car in Killeen with two kids inside

KILLEEN, Texas - A male suspect has been taking into custody after he stole a car in Killeen that had two young children inside it. 26-year old Christopher Ausgo Thomas has been charged with Kidnapping and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle.

The victim told police officers that she had walked into a gas station when the suspect got into her vehicle and drove off with her two children in the back seat.

According to police, a call about the car being stolen came into 911 dispatch around 3 p.m. on Tuesday, December 8. The victim told police officers that a suspect drove off in her white Kia and that her two-year-old and seven-year-old were in the vehicle still. 

The vehicle was last seen traveling westbound on Stan Schlueter Loop.

Officers with the Killeen Police Department quickly canvassed the area before locating the stolen vehicle at a parking lot within the 4000 block of W. Stan Schlueter Loop. The suspect was taken into custody without incident, according to police. The children were located inside the vehicle unharmed.

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26-year old Christopher Ausgo Thomas has been charged with Kidnapping and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. (FOX 7 Austin)

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For precautionary measures, paramedics checked the welfare of the children before they were returned safely to their mother. 

“This is a reminder about not leaving your keys in an unattended vehicle. In a matter of seconds, a thief looks for easy access to commit a crime of opportunity. The officers with Days A Shift did an outstanding job locating the suspect and safely returning the children,” stated Assistant Chief Donohue. 

Thomas is currently in the Bell County Jail.