Man accused of leaving young children in a car to drink at an El Paso bar

UPDATE -- ABC-7 was able to obtain the arrest warrant affidavit of Fabio Minchala.

The court documents state that a bartender working at Honest Abes at the shopping center on 1160 Airway, heard a car continuously honking in the parking lot.

The unnamed woman said she went up to the car and saw a six-year-old and a two-year-old locked inside.

Police and first responders were called to the scene and were able to get the children out of the car.

The six-year-old told officers that Michala brought them and left the car locked, according to the affidavit.

Officers then went to nearby bars in the shopping center to look for Minchala.

One bar allegedly told officers that the suspect was at the bar earlier, and was kicked out due to "being overly intoxicated and bothering other customers."

He was eventually located at the Ditzy Duck bar. Officers reported that he was aware the children were in the car and was planning to leave the location.

Minchala was reportedly slurring his words, swaying from side to side and struggled with balance.

He was arrested by El Paso Police, and the children are with Child Protective Services.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Officers arrested Fabio Minchala and charged him with two counts of Abandonment of a Child, according to El Paso County Jail Records.

The incident happened on Saturday, December 2, 2023, according to court documents.

Court officials read out details pertaining to Minchala's arrest during his first court appearance. They accused Minchala of drinking at a bar at 1160 Airway, and leaving two children in his car. Lawyers in court said witnesses heard one of the children crying from inside the car.

Minchala received a bond reduction and was released on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.

ABC-7 has reached out to the El Paso County District Clerk's office and request the arrest warrant affidavit for Minchala's arrest.