A married couple was arrested on child abuse charges in Glendale, Arizona, after allegedly taking their young children for a three-hour walk in 108-degree Fahrenheit heat while visibly intoxicated. The incident occurred Sunday evening after Ryan and May Mullin attended an Arizona Cardinals practice.
A witness contacted authorities after observing the couple stumbling with their two children near State Farm Stadium. The witness reported seeing Ryan Mullin stumble across a street without the children and later bump into one of them, while May Mullin appeared to be vomiting and intoxicated. The witness attempted to offer the family a ride, but Ryan Mullin allegedly became angry and punched the witness's vehicle, causing him to fall and injure his face.
A police officer also encountered Ryan Mullin crossing another road with one of the children and, after allegedly ignoring orders to stop, was observed grabbing the child by the wrist. The officer restrained Ryan Mullin after he refused to release the child and appeared unsteady on his feet.
May Mullin told officers the family had been walking for approximately three hours since leaving the Cardinals' practice. When questioned about the children's hydration, she stated they had consumed two bottles of water, though police reportedly found one bottle to be still half full. Temperatures at the time were recorded at 108F.
Officers noted that both parents smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech, and bloodshot eyes. Both Ryan and May Mullin were booked into jail on one count of child abuse. Ryan Mullin also faces three counts of disorderly conduct related to fighting. Both parents were subsequently released on their own recognizance.
The children's ages and conditions were not disclosed, nor was it clear if they required medical attention or were placed with Arizona's Department of Child Safety.