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Deputies find toddler in damaged car, arrest father on suspicion of drunken driving

Authorities in Texas arrested a 24-year-old man Wednesday night after sheriff's deputies said they found him standing outside his damaged car with the scent of alcohol on his breath and his 1-year-old child inside.

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A witness called Harris County sheriff's deputies late Wednesday to report seeing a car on the road that appeared to be missing the tire on its front driver's side and part of its rim, according to KHOU. Authorities said they later found Fernando Axel Garcia standing outside the vehicle, looking at the damage, KRPC reported.

Inside the car, they found Garcia's 1-year-old daughter sitting in a car seat, according to KHOU. She had not been properly secured in the seat, authorities said.

Deputies believe Garcia crashed his car while intoxicated and drove it on the rims before pulling over to inspect the vehicle. A photo shared Thursday by Harris County Maj. Mike Lee showed the extent of the damage.

Deputies said Garcia smelled like alcohol and that he showed "several signs of impairment," KPRC reported. He was arrested on a charge of driving while intoxicated with a child under 15, according to the new station.

Deputies told KHOU and KPRC that Garcia's daughter was released to a family member.