KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
JULY 26, 2019
By Natalie Cook Clark
A Katy resident, Tanikka Harris, says her Cinco Ranch home was broken into, ransacked, and burglarized earlier this month while the family was away on a long trip. The teens shared pictures and videos on various social media outlets of them partying, drinking, and modeling designer items they later stole. Surveillance cameras inside the home captured images of the teen burglars inside the home walking around. Although an investigation is underway, Harris is frustrated that no arrests have been made.
Snapchats of Her Home
Tanikka Harris has lived in the Pine Hills subdivision of Cinco Ranch for five years. On June 24, the family left for a combination business trip/vacation with plans of being gone most of the summer. On July 6, her 11-year-old son saw videos of a party at their house on Snapchat. "I learned from social media that my home was burglarized and vandalized," says Harris. "It's just crazy."
Teens Caught on Camera
On the home's video surveillance, six teens can be seen entering the residence from what looks to be a back door. Later around 30 teenagers were at the home having a party. At one point, an unknown adult male can be seen entering with what is believed to be alcohol. Due to the ages of the teens, we did not include the video. Those who know the teens claim one is as young as 13 years old.
According to Snapchat witnesses, a graphic was shared inviting friends to the home.
"These parents do not want their kids to be involved with this," says Harris. "One father offered to pay me a couple thousand dollars to keep his daughter out of this." Below: Teens Snapchat party video capture
According to Harris the teens stole:
Thousands of dollars in cash (prefers not to disclose exact amount)
All 32 of her designer handbags (includes some Louis Vuitton bags)
Most of her clothes and all her shoes
All her son's clothes and shoes.
All of her husband's designer jeans and shoes
Victim Expresses Frustration
Harris has stayed quiet until today. "I wanted to give the police time to do their work but so far no arrests have been made," says Harris. Now her friends are reaching out to social media and local media to get the community involved. The social media response to this incident has stimulated a lot of dialogue. Most people agreed that the children involved must be held accountable for their behavior. However, the opinions over their punishment ranged from them writing apology notes to being charged as adults. Some posts suggested the parents of the children in the video should be held accountable.
"The police and judges are reluctant to actively pursue minors," says one concerned neighbor. Thanks to the community's help and involvement in this case four of the six teens have been positively identified," says the neighbor.
Authorities Investigating Case
"This is an active and developing case," says Major Chad Norvell with Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office. "We are waiting on more information from the homeowner that would help with the investigation. Although detectives have interviewed numerous people, this is an active investigation and they are not able to comment further.
Victims Now Afraid to Return Home
"They tore my home apart," says Harris. "I want some justice. They ruined everything. There is vomit everywhere. The stove was broken because of them burning drugs."
The Harris family is now afraid to return home. "They haven't caught anyone involved in this. My son is afraid to go to school and risk being around those kids and their siblings. We will move and uproot our lives over this."