Racine police: A mother is behind bars, accused of committing a burglary with her young children in tow!

RACINE (WITI) -- It's an unlikely scenario: A mom with her three children -- committing a crime! Racine police say a mother was caught red-handed in the middle of a burglary, with her children in tow!

A quiet building on a busy stretch of road became the target of a crime.

"It's really tragic actually, to put these kids in that kind of a situation," Racine Police Sgt. Jessie Metoyer said.

Police say on Monday, July 21st, 35-year-old Tanya Fawcett took her children (ages 11, 7, and 4) to break into a home.

"The mom actually broke a window, broke a glass window and climbed in," Sgt. Metoyer said.

Police say the 11-year-old daughter pleaded with her mom to leave the apartment.

"Her mom just would not listen," Sgt. Metoyer said.

While inside, they came face-to-face with the tenant. That man didn't want to speak with FOX6 News on camera, but he says his door was open, his lights were on, and a stranger's family was inside.

"He noticed that his TV was moved, numerous electronic items and others were bagged up and put by the door," Sgt. Metoyer said.

Police say the mother attempted to get away -- down a steep, rocky hill. An officer heard the children's cries, and saw Fawcett lying on the ground, injured.

"Scared. They were frightened," Sgt. Metoyer said.

It was a frightening night for the children that landed their mother behind bars -- and her children, right in the middle of a crime.

"They're certainly at no fault for this and we feel very badly for these kids," Sgt. Metoyer said.

Police say Fawcett thought she was in the home of someone else, and appeared to be intoxicated.

She faces multiple charges -- including burglary and recklessly endangering safety.