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West Whiteland police responded to the Exton Square Mall on reports of intoxicated subjects last Saturday, Sept. 25, Police Det. Scott Pezick said.
There they found Mercedes and Joseph Ritter, ages 29 and 37, respectively, with their two young kids, Pezick said.
Joseph became verbally abusive and Mercedes tried resisting arrest, the detective said. Mercedes knocked the officers' body cam off and tried kicking at them, while she and her husband were both yelling at officers, Pezick said.
Officers eventually were able to arrest the parents, and Joseph's blood alcohol level was above the legal driving limit, Pezick said.
Mercedes apparently refused to submit a sample, however, "her actions were consistent with someone impaired," the detective said.
The parents are facing the following charges:
Joseph Ritter:
- Endangering Welfare of Children
- Terroristic Threats
- Resisting Arrest
- Disorderly Conduct
- Public Drunkenness
Mercedes Ritter:
- Endangering Welfare of Children
- Terroristic Threats
- Aggravated Assault
- Simple Assault
- Disorderly Conduct
- Public Drunkenness
The two were arraigned at the Chester County Jail and the children were in custody of the grandparents, police said.
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