Dad Staggering Down Street Arrested For Child Endangerment: Cops

MANCHESTER, NH — Good Samaritans in the Queen City may have kept two children from being hit by vehicles on busy Manchester streets on Saturday after they were unable to keep up with their father who allegedly “staggered down” the street, according to police. Vito Paulino, 40, of Manchester, was arrested on June 18, 2017, on an outstanding warrant out of Hillsborough County as well as two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. At around 6:15 p.m. on Saturday, officers were sent to the Alley Cat Pizzeria on Chestnut Street for a report of two children abandoned by an unknown man.

Editor’s Note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Manchester Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the name removal request process for NH Patch police reports.

When they arrived, they spoke with witnesses who reportedly secured the 4- and 5-year-old into the restaurant. They alleged that the man was “walking at brisk pace on Chestnut Street, from Bridge Street, while the two children attempted to keep up with him,” according to Lt. Brian O’Keefe of the Manchester Police Department.

“Additional witnesses felt the man was intoxicated and most likely on drugs based on the fact he seemed to have total disregard for the children’s safety by not paying attention to them as they walked on a busy street,” O’Keefe alleged. “Several good Samaritans took the kids inside of the restaurant, so they did not have to navigate the busy streets without proper supervision.”

Officers caught up with the man – later identified as Paulino – as he reportedly staggered down Union Street and then, Hanover Street, according to police. The officers noted that he allegedly appeared to be under the influence of drugs.

Initially, O’Keefe alleged, Paulino provided a false name. Eventually, he reportedly revealed his real name, an active warrant was found, and Paulino was arrested. He was also found to be the father of the children.

The children were placed into the care of another family member, O’Keefe noted. Paulino is due in court today.