Cops: Dad tried to trade baby for beer (Chicopee, Massachusetts)

Dad MATTHEW BRACE has been charged with child endangerment for "allegedly" trying to sell his 3-month-old daughter for 2 40-ounce beers.

http://www.wavy.com/dpps/news/strange_news/cops-say-man-tries-to-trade-baby-for-beer-jgr_3365212

Cops: Man tries to trade baby for beer
Matthew Brace, 24, charged with child endangerment
Updated: Tuesday, 18 May 2010, 7:54 AM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 18 May 2010, 7:54 AM EDT

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - An infant is in Massachusetts state custody after police say a father attempted to sell his baby girl in exchange for beer.

The incident occurred at the Pride Station on Burnett Road in Chicopee just before 1 p.m. Monday.

Chicopee Police Sgt. Christopher Lareau told 22News, 24-year-old Matthew Brace allegedly offered the 3-month-old girl to a maintenance man working outside in exchange for two 40-ounce beers.

The infant's mother, 31-year-old Wendy Arsenault, was inside the Pride store at the time.

The maintenance man called police who found the couple at the nearby Econo Lodge where they are living on public assistance.

The infant girl was placed in the state's custody.

Brace was not arrested, but he was summoned to court on charges of reckless endangerment of a child. Sgt. Lareau said Arsenault was not involved in the crime.

Chicopee Police will hold a news conference regarding the case on Tuesday morning.