3 caretakers accused of locking kid in dryer and then turning it on

Warning: This story contains mentions of child abuse.

Three caretakers were arrested for allegedly locking a 6-year-old child inside a dryer as "punishment" and running it.

In a statement, Texas authorities said that they responded to a report of a kid placed inside a clothing dryer in Houston, where they found the latter "visibly shaking and crying" on Nov. 11.

According to police, investigation showed that the victim was under the care of the three adults when he became upset about losing a bag of chips. Duncan locked him inside as "punishment," while Ford and Gill didn't let him out until he was able to find it.

Ford closed the dryer while Duncan kept the door closed to prevent the victim from leaving the area. Gill, meanwhile, used her card to switch it on.

It took around five minutes for bystanders to alert authorities, police said.

"The child was evaluated by EMS and released to a guardian who arrived on scene," they added.

All three suspects are now facing charges in line with child endangerment, with a bond set at $10,000 (P587,545).

They are in the Harris County Jail as of writing.