Inset: Gerardo Gonzalez (Harris County Sheriff's Office). Background: The Exxon located on the 25800 block of Cypresswood Drive in Spring, Texas (Google Maps).
A man in Texas is accused of hitting his girlfriend's 2-year-old daughter multiple times — giving her "life-threatening injuries" — before seeking help at a gas station.
Gerardo Gonzalez, 29, has been charged with injury to a child causing serious bodily injury, the Harris County Sheriff's Office announced.
He was booked into the Harris County Jail earlier this week.
On Thursday, deputies with the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office were called to the Exxon station on the 25800 block of Cypresswood Drive in Spring. The census-designated place is just north of Houston.
Gonzalez and his girlfriend had arrived at the gas station "seeking help for an unresponsive 2-year-old toddler," authorities said. Deputies began caring for the child until medics arrived and took over her care.
The girl was brought to a local hospital, where medical personnel "discovered multiple life-threatening injuries." She was later airlifted to a different hospital, "underwent surgery, and remains in critical condition," the sheriff's office said on Friday evening.
Attention also focused on Gonzalez and the child's mother. They apparently "directed investigators" to a home on the 3000 block of Rendezvous Court in Spring, where the toddler's unresponsiveness reportedly began.
"The investigation determined the mother's boyfriend," Gonzalez, "allegedly struck the toddler multiple times, causing her injuries."
He was then arrested, charged, and booked in jail.
Authorities did not say what led up to the alleged attack.
"Our thoughts are with this young toddler as she continues to fight for her life," the Harris County Sheriff's Office said. "Cases involving children are among the most heartbreaking first responders encounter, and we remain committed to seeking justice on her behalf."
The investigation was ongoing as of Thursday evening, and the sheriff's office said it would release more information as it becomes available.
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