30 June 2023 , 11:59
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A starving boy was found breaking into a neighbour's home to steal food after he was allegedly left abandoned by his mum.
The malnourished eight-year-old, who has not been named, was caught rummaging through a neighbour's fridge and eating their food, telling them that he was "hungry."
Police later said the boy appeared to be 'skinny and was very weak and malnourished.'
His 28-year-old mother, in Texas, has been arrested for leaving her eight-year-old son home alone before stealing the food.
Suspect Crystal Viera, 28, of Harlingen, Texas, was arrested following the incident which involved her son breaking into the home on Petras Road on June 8.
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Viera arrived back at her home with her boyfriend and admitted to Cameron County Sheriff's Office that she had left her son 'unattended and home alone', police say.
Crystal Viera, 28, of Harlingen, Texas, was taken into custody on June 20 after her eight-year-old son allegedly broke into a Petras Road home on June (Cameron County Sheriff's Office/)Police executed an arrest warrant on Crystal Viera in the San Benito area on June 20.
"As per the complainants, an unknown child went into their residence, opened the refrigerator and started eating their food," police said.
"As the complainants made contact with the child, he was holding food in his hands and stated he was 'hungry'.
"In their initial observations, the child was described as skinny, seemed very weak and malnourished."
She was taken into custody on June 20 after her eight-year-old son allegedly broke into a Petras Road home (google)During initial interviews with police, Viera admitted to leaving her child unattended and home alone.
The case was promptly reported to Child Protective Services, resulting in the child's removal from the home.
The CCSO Criminal Investigations Division launched an investigation, revealing evidence of physical neglect and malnourishment, leading to Viera being charged with abandonment and endangering a child with imminent bodily injury.
Viera was taken into custody at the Carrizalez-Rucker Detention Center.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities focused on ensuring the well-being and safety of the child.
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Police said that Viera was charged with abandonment and endangering a child with imminent bodily injury.