Woman Accused Of Leaving Her Children Alongside The Interstate

A woman is accused of leaving her 11- and 15-year-old daughters on the side of the freeway and driving away.

Linda Palecek, 34, of Painesville, was arraigned on a charge of endangering children Monday morning in .

However, the charge stems from an argument that occurred March 31, according to police.

Palecek was driving her daughters when she began arguing with the younger one, Mentor Police Lt. Ken Zbiegien said. The argument was, in part, because Palecek was insulting the girlfriend of the children's father, Zbiegien added.

The younger girl told Palecek wanted to be with her father instead of her.

Ultimately, Palecek pulled over on the westbound lanes of State Route 2, just west of the Route 306 exit.

She and the 11-year-old tussled until the older daughter intervened, Zbiegien said. At this point, the daughters walked away from Palecek's car.

Palecek shouted for the kids to come back to the car. When they did not, she drove away, Zbiegien said.

The kids were picked up about 10 minutes later by their father.

Palecek came on her own to court where Judge John Trebets arraigned her and released her on a personal bond.

Her next court hearing is scheduled for May 14.

If convicted of child endangering, Palecek could be released on community control or be sentenced to up to six months in jail.