Women accused of kidnapping, beating teen runaway on Peaceful Valley Drive

SPRING, Texas -- Two women face charges after they allegedly kidnapped and beat a 14-year-old runaway because one of their cars had been vandalized in north Harris County.

The alleged attack happened Saturday in the 2300 block of Peaceful Valley Drive in the Spring area.

Detectives say 31-year-old Michelle Gardner and 34-year-old Julia Leon first called the Harris County Pct. 4 Constable's Office to report the vandalism but then they took matters into their hand. According to authorities, the women suspected the 14-year-old runaway was to blame so they took a grabbed a stick the size of a baseball bat and confronted the teen at a nearby vacant house where she'd been staying.

Detectives say the suspects beat the teen and tore out and cut off chunks of her hair. They allegedly then took the girl back to their home, where they tortured and interrogated her some more.

Neighbors heard the noise and called authorities. When deputies arrived, the women told police they were taking care of the investigation and not to worry. When deputies saw the cuts and bruises on the 14-year-old, officers got her out of the house and interviewed her.

As a result, Gardner and Leon were arrested. Gardner is charged with aggravated kidnapping while Leon faces an injury to a child charge.