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Police: Father Leaves Austin Toddler In Car; Car Stolen

A father left a toddler in a car then claimed the car was stolen and dumped near a North Austin homeless camp, police say.

Patrick Ryan Husband, 27, is charged with abandoning or endangering a child.

Husband told police at approximately 7 p.m. Tuesday his car was stolen at a store on Wells Branch Parkway near I-35.  He said his 22-month-old daughter, Carlee, was inside. When he left the store, the car was gone.

According to an arrest affidavit, Husband did not call police. He said while looking for the car, he walked a mile to a gas station and bought an alcoholic beverage.

At 7:40 p.m., the car was found across the street at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.  The affidavit says the property houses a transient encampment where there have been many reports of stabbings, assaults, disturbances and drug use. 

The child was in the locked car. The officer noted that it was a cold day and the child was not dressed appropriately.

The affidavit says Husband gave several accounts of what happened and he acknowledged he had four drinks.