News

Actions

Englewood couple found passed out with child in the car

Posted at 1:27 PM, Feb 21, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-21 13:27:16-05

SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. -- An Englewood couple is in jail after being found passed out in a car in the middle of the road while a young child was in the back seat.

According to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, just after 4:30 a.m. Saturday, deputies arrived at the intersection of River Road and Tamiami Trail to find a Cadillac stopped in the road with the engine running, blocking both directions of Tamiami Trail.

36-year-old Matthew McRee was asleep in the driver's seat, and 30-year-old Christina Mattesino was asleep in the passenger seat.  A 2-year-old child was in the back seat of the vehicle.

The deputy had to yell to get McRee's attention.  During questioning, McRee didn't know where he was, had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and was sweating.  He told the deputy he had just been released from jail and was headed home.

He was placed under arrest after failing a field sobriety test.

RELATED: Venice woman found asleep in car with child in back seat

While talking to Mattesino, deputies discovered four syringes and a burnt spoon in the car, along with a black cord and substances that test positive as heroin and marijuana.

McRee is charged with Child Neglect, DUI, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Narcotics Equipment and Driving with License Suspended. He remains in custody today on $44,000 bond.

Mattessino also faces a single count of Child Neglect and Possession of Narcotics Equipment. She is currently being held on $17,000 bond.

McRee has prior arrests for Armed Burglary, Battery by a Person Detained and various drug charges. This is Mattessino's first arrest in Sarasota County.