A 27-year-old Texas woman is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly using her own daughter as a human shield to resist arrest while being questioned about a prior child abuse incident. Alexis Aguirre, of Waco, was taken into custody following a tense confrontation at an apartment complex on South 12th Street, where police say she intentionally placed her child at risk of bodily injury during the struggle.
Background
The investigation began on Sept. 13, when a Waco Police Department officer was dispatched to an apartment in response to a child abuse report. According to an arrest warrant obtained by local affiliates CBS and Telemundo KWTX, the victim’s mother told officers that she and her child had been visiting Aguirre when an argument erupted.
Law enforcement officials stated that the altercation turned violent when Aguirre allegedly placed the child in a chokehold and lifted the child off the ground. Upon examining the child at the victim’s mother’s apartment, the officer documented visible injuries, including minor red marks beneath the child’s chin and a cut inner bottom lip with visible blood.
When officers arrived at Aguirre’s residence to question her, she allegedly claimed she had wrapped her arms around the child because he was "not listening and causing a ruckus." Several young children were present during the interview. Officers asked Aguirre if they could speak with her away from the other children, but she declined, according to police reports.
The Charges
As officers moved to place Aguirre into custody, the situation escalated. Police say Aguirre grabbed her daughter and held the child between herself and the arresting officers. She allegedly resisted and pulled away from officers while maintaining her grip on the child. To protect the daughter, officers were forced to restrain Aguirre by pushing her onto a couch before she was finally detained.
Due to the method by which Aguirre resisted, officers determined she intentionally placed her own child at risk of bodily injury. Aguirre now stands accused of first-degree injury to a child, a state jail felony for endangering a child, and a misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest, according to the Waco Police Department.
Key Takeaways
- Alexis Aguirre, 27, was arrested in Waco, Texas, on Sept. 13.
- Charges include first-degree injury to a child, state jail felony endangering a child, and misdemeanor resisting arrest.
- The initial incident involved a child abuse report where Aguirre allegedly choked a child and lifted them off the ground.
- Aguirre allegedly used her own daughter as a shield during the arrest, resisting officers while holding the child.
- The child suffered visible injuries, including red marks under the chin and a cut lip.
- Aguirre has posted bond and is currently out of custody.
What's Next
Aguirre was detained at the McLennan County Jail following her arrest but has since posted bond. The case will proceed through the Texas court system, where prosecutors will likely address both the underlying child abuse allegations and the charges stemming from the resistance and endangerment during her arrest. No trial date has been publicly announced at this time.
Analysis
This case highlights the complex legal dynamics when a suspect uses a dependent, particularly a minor, during an arrest. While the initial charge stems from alleged abuse of another child, the felony endangerment charge arises directly from the manner of her resistance, illustrating how police actions and suspect behavior during custody attempts can significantly expand the scope of criminal liability.