A Texas mom is going viral for tackling the man accused of peeking into her daughter’s bedroom window.

When Phyllis Pena found a man in her yard early one morning, allegedly peeking into her daughter’s window, she called the police.

The man took off on foot, leading officers on a chase that ultimately brought them back to Pena’s home.

When she saw him again, Pena sprang into action. She tackled the 19-year-old man, bringing him to the ground. The takedown was caught on the police’s dashcam.


“First instinct was just to make sure he didn’t go any further,” Pena told KPRC 2 News.

Police later identified him as 19-year-old Zane Hawkins. He was booked into jail and is facing several charges.

“The cop fist-bumped me and he was like, ‘Hey, so I heard the Texans are looking for a new linebacker,'” Pena said.

Her mama bear instincts have earned Pena praise from people around the world.

“Boom Some body sign this woman up!! She has MAD TACKLING SKILLS!! ,” tweeted one supporter, who also implored the Dallas Cowboys to draft her next year.

“Mama Bear don’t play!” added another.

Another person commented, “Moms can turn into dangerous beasts, at a moment’s notice.”

We don’t condone violence but we definitely appreciate Pena’s ability to defend her family.

“My kids are my life and just making sure I protect them,” Pena told KPRC 2 News.

We absolutely get that. Well done, mama.