An Arizona couple is under scrutiny after reports emerged claiming they drunkenly led their young children on a difficult walk in sweltering 108-degree heat.
Witnesses observed Ryan and Mae Mullin with their two kids, aged 2 and 4, in Glendale around 6 p.m. on Sunday. They were apparently walking after attending an Arizona Cardinals practice at State Farm Stadium.
The family was initially spotted by a concerned driver who decided to intervene upon seeing Ryan knock over one of his children while attempting to cross the street without them.
A good Samaritan offered the family a ride to escape the heat, according to witnesses.
However, police later reported that Ryan reacted angrily, hitting the car and injuring his face in the process.
Witnesses indicated that Mae seemed to be intoxicated and may have been vomiting, according to law enforcement.
At one point, an officer noticed Ryan trying to cross the street with an unsteady child and attempted to halt him.
Despite police commands, Ryan ignored them, gripping the child’s wrist and refusing to let go. He eventually released the child only after officers warned him of potential force.
Officers observed the couple exhibiting signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and a strong odor of alcohol.
In court documents, Mae stated that the children had consumed two bottles of water, yet police discovered one bottle was still half full.
Both Ryan and Mae are facing charges of child abuse.
Attempts to reach the couple for comment have been unsuccessful.
