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Vernice Ruenell Zagerman (pictured) of Houston was placed behind bars and charged with child endangerment, after allegedly trying to give her 3-year-old grandchild away at a gas station, according to the Houston Chronicle.

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According to police, Zagerman kept harassing motorists at a Shell station on Monday night to take her toddler grandchild because she claimed she could no longer care for the little girl.  Witnesses say that the 52-year-old woman appeared to be under the influence of a narcotic or alcohol.

A witness called police after being approached by Zagerman, who reportedly behaved erratically and desperate during her quest to give the child away to strangers. By the time authorities arrived, though, the Grandma had fled the station in a taxi.

Police gave chase and were able to flag the cab down and arrest Zagerman.

She said that she couldn’t care for her any more, said Houston Police Department Spokesman Kese Smith. She appeared to be intoxicated.

The child, who was uninjured, had been placed in Zagerman’s care temporarily by her mother just a few hours earlier.   The Mother, who is unidentified, left the child with Zagerman while she attended school.   The toddler has since been returned to her custodial parent.

Zagerman has had previous brushes with the law that involved drug and theft convictions and various assault charges.  One of the assaults resulted in a public servant receiving serious bodily injuries.

A $15,000 bond has been set and Zagerman remains in jail until her first court appearance, which is set for February 22.