Authorities in Ector County have arrested Tracie Anette Garza, a former teacher at Permian High School, on a kidnapping charge after deputies found a missing 15-year-old student at her home.
According to the Ector County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a call around 8:34 p.m. on Feb. 13 reporting that a 15-year-old girl had attended school but never returned home.
The student’s family told authorities that she did not ride the bus home and had not contacted them. Law enforcement began searching for the teen immediately.
The following day, Feb. 14, deputies received a tip that the girl had been seen at a local Chick-fil-A with a Permian High School teacher.
Investigators later identified the teacher as Garza. Working closely with the Ector County Independent School District, deputies tracked the student to Garza’s residence in the 4500 block of Viviana Drive.
Authorities located the missing student at the home later that day. An affidavit obtained by local media outlets states that Garza advised taking the girl due to concerns about the teen’s home life.
However, investigators reported that Garza did not have consent from the student’s legal guardian to take her.
The report further states that Garza kept the girl at her home for approximately 24 hours without notifying the family, Child Protective Services, law enforcement, or school officials.
The student’s legal guardian expressed a desire to pursue charges.
After completing their investigation, deputies secured a warrant for Garza’s arrest on a kidnapping charge, classified as a third-degree felony.
Officers arrested her without incident on Tuesday evening, Feb. 17. She is currently being held at the Ector County Jail on a $25,000 bond.
In a public statement, the Ector County Independent School District said it became aware of the situation on Saturday morning and immediately assisted the Sheriff’s Office in the search.
The district stated that it was relieved the student was found safe that same evening.
However, officials emphasized that the incident failed to meet the professional standards expected of educators and called the situation unacceptable. The district confirmed that Garza is no longer employed by ECISD.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities move forward with the legal process.
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