Two Florida grandparents are facing charges after they towed their seven-year-old granddaughter in a toy car behind their four-wheel drive while allegedly drunk.
Paul Berloni, 49 and his wife Belinda, 47, decided to take the child for a ride on the access road in Sarasota County on the afternoon of April 29 after having a few beers, FOX News reports.
Mr Berloni drove the vehicle at 16km/h while his wife sat in the storage compartment behind the back seats and cheered the young girl on.
The toy car was attached to the vehicle with two dog leashes and the girl was wearing a bathing suit which would have offered no protection in the event of a crash.
The joyride was brought to an end when a police officer noticed what was going on and arrested the couple, who seemed surprised at the police concern.
"Well, I thought they were just gonna tell us we couldn't do it," Ms Berloni said.
"Give us a warning, say, hey, this isn't very safe, maybe this is not a bright idea."
The couple was arrested and face child endangerment charges, while Mr Berloni also faces a drink-driving charge.
When he was asked to present his driver's license Mr Berloni reportedly told the officer that his license had been revoked for ten years for driving under the influence.
He admitted having a few drinks but could not give a specific number.
Ms Berloni, who also admitted drinking, said she loved her granddaughter and would not do anything to jeopardise her safety.
She said the seven-year-old enjoyed herself and did not feel scared.
"She was all woot! woot! woot! the whole time anyway," Ms Berloni said.
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