Highland deputies responded to the area of Baseline Street and Palm Avenue around 10:45 p.m. after receiving a call from someone who said they saw a child in the trunk of a black Cadillac in the drive-thru of the Baker's restaurant.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop right after they saw the Cadillac attempting to make a U-turn.
The driver, identified as April Burgo, 32, of Escondido, was asked to open the trunk, but she hesitated. When the trunk was opened, a 6-year-old boy and 8-year-old girl were found lying inside crying, sheriff's officials said. The children's father, Richard Burgo, 29, of Wildomar, was sitting in the backseat of the car.
April Burgo, Richard Burgo and a third suspect identified as Brandon Rampani, 33, of Escondido were under the influence of alcohol, officials said. Investigators believe the suspects knew that the children were locked in the trunk.
All three were booked at the Central Detention Center on suspicion of cruelty to a child.
