Police: Dad locked kids in trunk while running errands

FALL RIVER, Mass. -- A local father is accused of locking his children, ages 3 and 6, in the trunk of his car.

According to court documents, Michael Monahan stopped by a sail shop in Fall River Tuesday and while he ran an errand, he allegedly left his sons in the trunk.

Police said Monahan claimed the kids liked to play there, but officers arrested him and he is now being charged with two counts reckless endangerment and two counts assault.

In court, Monahan's lawyer argued his client cares for his sons.

"He's extremely distraught about this your honor. He loves his children,” said Monahan’s attorney.

The children were left inside the trunk for several minutes before an eyewitness called police.

People near the sail shop where it happened are in shock.

"I think he should be put away. He needs some kind of help from what I heard. Locking your kids in a trunk, that's not right," said Mike Sardinha, a Fall River resident.

Monahan was released on bail, and ordered to have no contact with his children.

The children are now with their mother. Monahan is expected back in Fall River District Court on Jan. 19.

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