Pair found at North Port intersection with toddler, drugs

NORTH PORT, Fla. Two people were found passed out in a parked car at an intersection with drugs and a 2-year-old inside, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office said.

Matthew McRee, 36, and Christina Mattessino, 30, were arrested and the toddler put in the care of relatives after deputies discovered them just after 4:30 a.m. Saturday at River Road and Tamiami Trail. The car was in park but the engine was still running, according to the sheriff’s office.

McRee fell asleep at the wheel and didn’t know where he was, he said. Deputies found a soda can containing heroin on the floorboard and marijuana stuck in an air vent, according to the sheriff’s office. They also found four needles and drug paraphernalia in Mattessino’s purse.

McRee faces charges of child neglect, DUI, heroin possession, marijuana possession, possession of narcotics equipment and driving with a suspended license. He remains in custody on $44,000 bond.

Mattessino faces charges of child neglect and possession of narcotics possession. She’s held on $17,000 bond.