Community Corner
Police: Woman Charged After Arriving Drunk to Pick-Up Children at School
Southington police said Marita Shurkus allegedly showed up intoxicated to pick up her children from an after school program, but staff recognized the problem and alerted police without releasing the children.
A Southington woman is facing charges after she allegedly showed up at Strong Elementary School drunk earlier this week and attempted to pick up her children, police said.
Marita A. Shurkus, of 157 Burritt St. in Plantsville, arrived at the school around 5:30 p.m. Monday to pick up her children, ages 9 and 11, from an after school program, according to arrest reports. Staff members refused to release the students into her custody and called police to express concerns that she was intoxicated and could be putting the children at risk.
“Shurkus was located at the school and was interviewed by the responding officers,” Sgt. Jeffrey Dobratz said in a press release. “Based on the interview and her performance during the field sobriety tests, Shurkus was taken into custody.”
Shurkus, 45, was charged with criminal attempt to commit risk of injury to a minor and driving under the influence. She was released after posting a $1,500 bond, police said Wednesday.
Other family members eventually picked up the children safely, police said.
Shurkus is due in Britstol Superior Court for arraignment on May 20, according to court records.
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