El Paso, Texas – On August 30, deputies from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a small child walking alone on the 13800 block of Margaret Ponce Avenue in the Far East side of El Paso. The call came from a resident who saw a toddler navigating the street without adult supervision.
Parents arrested and charged
Investigators identified the children’s parents as 24‑year‑old Arely Soriano and 25‑year‑old Ivan Soriano, both residents of Horizon City. According to the sheriff’s office, the Soriano couple left their 2‑year‑old and 10‑month‑old children unattended while they attended a party a short distance away. During that time, the parents consumed alcoholic beverages, further endangering the children.
When deputies arrived, they found the toddlers walking alone on the roadway. Both children were unharmed and were promptly taken into protective custody while the adults were detained.
Legal consequences
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office arrested the Sorianos and charged each with two counts of abandoning or endangering a child, a misdemeanor offense under Texas law. Both parents were released on a $2,000 bond each and were booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility pending a court appearance.
Child‑abandonment statutes are intended to protect vulnerable minors from neglect and potential harm. Prosecutors may seek additional penalties if the court determines that the parents’ actions placed the children at significant risk.
Community response
The incident has sparked concern among Horizon City residents about child‑safety practices and the importance of parental responsibility. Local faith‑based groups and community organizations have reiterated the need for families to prioritize the safety and well‑being of their children, especially when attending social events.
“Our neighborhoods thrive when families uphold the highest standards of care for their children,” said a spokesperson for a local church. “We encourage parents to arrange safe childcare or stay home when they cannot provide direct supervision.”
What parents can do
Experts advise that parents who plan to attend gatherings should arrange reliable childcare, whether through a trusted family member, licensed daycare, or a responsible babysitter. Additionally, avoiding alcohol consumption while children are present can prevent dangerous lapses in judgment.
Community resources, such as the El Paso County Department of Human Services, offer guidance on safe childcare options and can connect families with support services when needed.
Next steps
The Soriano case will proceed through the El Paso County judicial system. If convicted, the parents could face fines, probation, mandatory parenting classes, or even short‑term incarceration, depending on the severity of the court’s findings.
Authorities continue to monitor child‑safety concerns throughout the region and encourage residents to report any instances of neglect or endangerment promptly.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
