According to police, the situation started on December 28 at an apartment complex in Solon. A man contacted authorities to report that his ex-girlfriend had been repeatedly calling and sending messages. He told police he ignored the communication until she allegedly arrived at the apartment he shared with two other adults and began banging on the door. One of the residents later told officers that the woman threatened to shoot her, and she requested a protection order.
After the incident was reported, the woman voluntarily went to the Solon Police Department to speak with officers. She denied making any threats and told the officers she had brought her three children—ages 4, 5, and 12—who were waiting in her vehicle.
The children’s father was contacted and asked him to pick them up. When he arrived at the police station, officers reportedly noticed signs consistent with possible intoxication. As the man drove away from the station, his vehicle jumped a curb, and officers performed a traffic stop. They reported that they smelled liquor and cannabis and noted that his speech appeared slurred. He allegedly refused to submit to a breath test at the scene. The man also reportedly disclosed that there were weapons in the vehicle, and when they searched, officers said they found a loaded rifle in the front seat near the oldest child and a loaded handgun elsewhere in the car.
The children’s mother was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor menacing, and their dad, whose driver’s license was seized, was taken into custody on preliminary charges of improper handling of firearms in a vehicle, endangering children, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Both suspects were released after they each paid $2,500 bonds.
It was reported that the youngsters are in the custody of a close relative.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.