Cops: Dad locks kids in trunk, goes shopping

updated 6:19 a.m. ET Nov. 27, 2009

FALL RIVER, Mass. - A man locked his two young sons in the trunk of his car while he ran an errand, Massachusetts police said.

Fall River police allege Michael Monahan put his kids, ages 3 and 6, in the trunk of his Pontiac Trans Am for several minutes Tuesday morning while he went inside a sailing shop.

According to court records, Monahan told investigators the boys like to play in the trunk.

The 35-year-old Monahan pleaded not guilty Wednesday to assault and reckless endangerment of a child. He was released on cash bail.

A broadcast from WPRI-TV showed Monahan's attorney telling a judge that his client loves his children.

The children are in the custody of their mother.

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