(Guadalupe County) — Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Deputies recently arrested a suspect in a child abuse case within minutes of the incident being reported, a response officials say is uncommon in these types of investigations.
At approximately 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, deputies responded to a reported physical disturbance involving a juvenile victim in the 100 block of Archers Way.
Lt. Zach McBride, public information officer for the sheriff’s office, said cases involving child abuse are often reported long after the alleged incident occurred, making this response “especially rare.’
“We don’t often get them like this. A lot of times, it’s a delayed outcry or something that happened in the past so for this to have happened, it isn’t very common where the deputies arrive and arrest their suspect right there and then –freshly reported,” said McBride.
According to investigators, a 12-year-old child was physically assaulted by his father. The suspect allegedly struck the child multiple times in the face, causing visible injuries, and strangled the child to the point of impeding his ability to breathe.
Sheriff Joshua Ray condemned the alleged actions and emphasized the department’s stance on crimes involving children.
“This was a violent and inexcusable act against a child,” said Ray. “Anyone who harms a child will be held fully accountable. We will not tolerate child abuse in this county, and we will aggressively pursue justice for victims.”
The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Larry Vela III of San Marcos, was arrested at the scene and charged with injury to a child, continuous violence against the family, and assault — impeding breath or circulation.
Anyone with information related to this incident, or any other incident involving this individual, is urged to contact the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office. Officials say information provided may help protect additional victims.
Anonymous tips may be provided at gccsTIPS.com or by calling the Guadalupe County Crime Stoppers at 1-877-403-TIPS.