A Clovis man is behind bars, accused of stealing from a Hanford Walmart and then driving drunk while trying to flee the scene. Police say the man's wife and three kids were all inside the car when it happened.
Hanford Police Lt. George Hernandez says, "It's one thing for the parents to be involved in criminal activity, but it's the example they're setting to their kids as to what they're doing."
Police say 38-year-old Michael Marbry was trying to get away with about $700 worth of merchandise, including a computer and some towels. Walmart security tried to stop the man. That's when he threw the items down and jumped into his car.
"He then sped through the parking lot and one of the loss prevention officers continued to pursue him in a vehicle," says Lt. Hernandez.
The chase lasted just a few blocks. Marbry was running stop signs and traffic lights. Eventually, a Hanford police officer stopped the car. Police say Marbry was extremely drunk. He was quickly arrested. His wife, Michelle was also arrested. She was booked for child endangerment.
Lt. Hernandez said, "When they're driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they're jeopardizing the health and safety of their children and that really concerns us."
Nicole Wadsworth has young kids of her own.
She says, "It doesn't just disgust me, it's horrifying. I can't imagine what those kids were going through."
Wadsworth says she just can't understand why any parent would knowingly put their children in harm's way.
"I think it's dangerous, I think it's horrible that they would do that. Think about those poor kids and now they're gonna be without their parents for the holidays."
The couple's 5, 7 and 11-year-old were turned over to Child Protective Services.
Michael Marbry faces charges of commercial burglary, DUI, and child endangerment. He also arrested on an outstanding warrant. Marbry had already been in jail on other theft-related charges, and was on early release through AB-109.
TXT 24
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