HOUSTON — A Texas mother's 17-year-long search for her son who authorities say was taken by his father is over after the grown-up son apparently saw a newspaper story about himself and persuaded his father to turn himself in.

Stephen Palacios Jr. of Waco was held today on charges of interference with child custody. He and his son went to a Houston attorney's office Thursday where the father surrendered to federal authorities.

Deputy U.S. Marshal Alfredo Perez said today the elder Palacios would remain in custody in Houston until McLennan County authorities retrieved him to face charges. Perez said he believed the son was staying with family members today, but he declined to release further details.

The father "was motivated today by what is best for his son," Palacios' attorney Paul Nugent said Thursday. Nugent did not immediately return a message.

Palacios was living in Waco when he and his wife divorced and the father and son disappeared.

The boy was reported missing March 28, 1993, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children website. A felony warrant for custodial interference was issued for the father.