Amarillo Man Arrested for Leaving Children in the Car While He Went Into A Bar

A local Amarillo man was arrested on Sunday afternoon, after Amarillo Police received a call about two children being left alone inside a car at the Old Santa Fe Lounge.

After police arrived on the scene and spoke with witnesses they were able to determine that two small children ages 7 & 9 were left inside a car.  After being in the car fro 2 hours the children went inside the bar looking for their uncle.   The girl said that they were from Houston and were visiting family in Amarillo for the summer.  Their uncle told them that he needed to run into the bar for a minute to speak with a co-worker.  Police were called when no one in the bar claimed the children.

When the officers arrived they were able to determine that Steven Elliot Hughes, Black Male, 31, of Amarillo was the children's uncle.  After being taken outside by police for questioning, Hughes ran from the police officers.  Officers were able to apprehend Hughes after using a taser on him.  He was then placed under arrest.

Hughes was arrested for Abandoning/Endangering a Child with Intent to Return, Evading Arrest/Detention and for Possession for a controlled Substance Penalty Group 1.  Hughes was booked into the Randall County Jail