Ryan Mullin, 41, and May Mullin, 42, of Glendale, Arizona, are facing child abuse charges after allegedly forcing their two young children to walk in extreme heat for hours while the parents were visibly intoxicated, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by Law&Crime.
Background
The incident occurred last weekend following an open practice held by the Arizona Cardinals. Police made contact with the family around 6 p.m. on Sunday after a witness called authorities to report concerning behavior. The affidavit states that May Mullin told officers they had been walking for approximately three hours, having left for the Cardinals game at approximately 2:40 p.m.
The temperature in the area reached 108 degrees during the time the family was allegedly walking home from the practice. Witnesses reported seeing Ryan Mullin "stumbling and falling over one of the children" while appearing highly intoxicated.
The Investigation
According to the arrest affidavit, a witness who observed the family walking approached them and offered a ride to help get the children out of the extreme heat. Police say the offer was refused, and Ryan Mullin became irate, "began physically punching her vehicle." He subsequently fell and struck his face on the vehicle, causing a laceration and blood to run down the left side of his face.
The witness told police she observed May Mullin vomiting and appearing intoxicated. She also reported seeing Ryan walk away from the children and subsequently fall over one of them while stumbling.
When officers made contact with the family, an officer reported that Ryan Mullin "ignored" commands to stop walking. The affidavit states the officer "ran up" to Ryan Mullin "at which time he clutched his child by the wrist." Officers ordered him to release the child, and after being warned that force would be escalated, he complied.
Police say Ryan Mullin resisted arrest and had to be "forced" into handcuffs. A strong odor of alcohol was "emanating from his person," according to the affidavit, along with "slurred speech" and "red, bloodshot eyes."
Ryan Mullin was charged with three counts of disorderly conduct in addition to the child abuse charge. Both Ryan and May Mullin were arrested and booked into Maricopa County Jail.
Key Takeaways
- The family allegedly walked for approximately three hours in 108-degree heat after leaving an Arizona Cardinals open practice
- Witnesses reported seeing both parents visibly intoxicated, with May Mullin observed vomiting
- A good Samaritan offered the family a ride but police say they refused; Ryan Mullin allegedly punched her vehicle when rejected
- Officers report Ryan Mullin clutched his child by the wrist and resisted arrest
- Both suspects were released on their own recognizance pending further court proceedings
What's Next
Ryan and May Mullin are expected to face additional court appearances as the case proceeds. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office will determine whether to pursue enhanced charges given the extreme weather conditions and the ages of the children involved. Investigators continue to review evidence from the arrest affidavit to build their case.
Law&Crime has reached out to attorneys representing both defendants for comment on the charges.