On Saturday morning, a woman with striking red hair passed by construction workers building a brick oven along Avenue I in east Houston before heading straight to the Sosas’ home. Rogaciano and Eugenia Sosa told authorities they were worried about the safety of their four grandchildren, one of whom is just four years old.
The cameras recorded the woman going into the house. The Sosas spoke to Eyewitness News in Spanish, saying she carried no weapon, yet still managed to stir up trouble.
Inside the Kitchen
She went into the kitchen at the back of the home. She knocked over a water dispenser and poured fruit juice on herself, then tore open a bag of beans. She then took refuge under their dining table.
The Granddaughter’s Call
The granddaughter was told by Rogaciano Sosa to call the police. When she did so, the person who had entered their home without permission pleaded with her, asking her not to make the call. That person claimed that the police were attempting to take the girl’s life.
The police were trying to kill her.
The Sosas still contacted the authorities, and then proceeded to pull her from beneath the table.
Across the Threshold
One of the workmen was called over to assist once they had dragged her all the way to their front door. Video captures them pulling her across the threshold.
She glided down their front steps and crept away from the property on her hands and knees.
Across the Street
According to the Sosas, she reached the other side of the street and attempted to climb on top of a fire engine there.
Detained Under Order
She was held by police on an emergency order, and the district attorney’s office refused to take the case forward.
The DA’s Decision
Because the woman seemed to be experiencing a mental health crisis, the DA chose not to file charges. That choice ensures the matter will not become a criminal case.
What Happened
- A woman with bright red hair walked into a home being worked on
- She poured juice on herself and tore open a bag of beans
- She hid under a table and begged the granddaughter not to call police
- She was dragged out, crawled down steps, and crossed the street
- Police detained her under an emergency order
- The DA declined to press charges
Key Facts
- Location: Avenue I, east Houston
- Date: Saturday morning
- Home: A brick oven was being built at the time
- Intruder: A woman with bright red hair, not armed
- Grandchildren: Four, including one four years old
The Outcome
When faced with a challenging circumstance, the Sosas remained calm. They contacted law enforcement, pulled the woman from their dwelling, and permitted the officers to take charge of her. The outcome was peaceful, with no additional injury suffered by any person involved.
The circumstances as reported led to the DA’s decision to decline charges. Getting her out safely was what the Sosas needed to do, not fighting her.
Source material: “Only on 13: Woman invades family's home in east Houston, pours juice on herself,” ABC13 Houston.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.