Texas Mother Arrested After Deputies Say She Sent Young Daughter to Walk Along State Highway 211 Alone While Hungover

TEXAS — A 35-year-old Texas mother has been arrested and charged with child endangerment after authorities say she told her young daughter to walk to elementary school alone along State Highway 211 while she remained at home.

According to officials, Lucia Victoria Marie Cruz was taken into custody Wednesday following an investigation into the incident involving her daughter, who is under 12 years old.

Witness Spots Child Walking Alone on Busy Highway

Authorities said the situation came to light when a witness noticed a young girl walking alone along State Highway 211, roughly a mile from her home. Concerned for her safety, the witness stopped and offered assistance.

The individual reportedly drove the child to school and alerted school officials about what had happened. The information was later passed along to deputies, prompting further investigation.

Allegations of Alcohol Use the Night Before

Deputies said the girl told them that her mother had consumed an entire bottle of wine the night before and had passed out. When the child attempted to wake her the following morning, Cruz allegedly refused to get up or take her to school. Investigators claim Cruz instructed the child to walk to school alone before going back to sleep.

Authorities have not specified the exact distance between the home and the school, but the girl was reportedly seen about a mile from her residence at the time she was spotted by the witness.

Arrest and Child’s Placement

Deputies later arrested Cruz on a charge of child endangerment. Following her arrest, officials said the child was placed with another relative. Law enforcement has not released additional details about court proceedings or bond conditions.

Community Reaction Raises Safety Concerns

Neighbors expressed concern about the dangers of having a young child walk alone along State Highway 211, describing the roadway as heavily trafficked and potentially hazardous.

Residents pointed to congestion and fast-moving vehicles in the area, emphasizing that sending a young child to navigate such conditions alone could pose serious risks. The case remains under investigation as authorities continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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