A couple in Massachusetts was arrested Friday, accused of trying to burglarize a home with their five children in the getaway van.
Police say 39-year-old Ralph Pasquarello broke into a Boston-area home as his 26-year-old wife, Salina Pasquarello, waited in the van with their five children — all under age 7. (Via WBZ-TV)
According to The Boston Globe, police say Ralph Pasquarello tried to steal a television from the house. But when police responding to the scene arrived, he threw a remote at the officers and fled the house.
Salina Pasquarello, acting as the getaway driver, led police on a high-speed chase — again, with her kids in the car. It ended with police vehicles blocking the van and taking both suspects into custody. (Via WHDH)
A police official says both suspects have shown "reckless disregard for the well-being of their children" as Salina reached speeds of about 75 miles per hour and nearly crashed into several cars. (ViaWFXT)
The Boston Herald reports those children were initially released back to their mother when she posted bail, but they've now been taken into state custody. The Department of Children and Families says it has been involved with the family before for undisclosed reasons.
Among the charges facing the couple are felony breaking and entering, larceny, theft and child endangerment. Ralph Pasquarello's additional charges include felony vandalism, and assault and battery on a police officer. The couple is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday for their arraignment.
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