On November 20th, 2025, Ohio officers responded to ongoing threat complaints. [music] The encounter escalated when a 15-year-old with autism attempted to defend his [music] mother. This case raises critical questions about Fourth Amendment protections, defense of third persons against law enforcement, and [music] autism as a factor in criminal culpability. >> You can come in. >> What's going on? >> So, I can't talk to the police. I've been talking to the police. I've been talking to detectives. This is over a year worth of [ __ ] now. >> Okay. >> And the other night this [ __ ] shot at him and his his friends cuz they don't want nothing to do with this dude. He's been casing my house. >> BB gun incident? Was it a BB gun? >> No, it was a real gun. >> No, okay. >> Yeah. >> No, I just read about something this morning about a BB gun incident, some kids getting shot at. >> No. >> didn't know if it was the same. >> been around my house shooting around here with a AR. He got his 10-year 10-year-old little brother out here toting a gun, shooting at people, jumping grown people. He has a 16-year-old girl pregnant, locked up in his house. He's threatening people. >> Who is this? >> This dude's name is Aubrey. I done gave the police the police pictures of this dude a year when he was actually involved with him. He's buying young kids guns. >> last I mean >> I No. Do you guys know his name? >> No, I don't know his last name. I I know Aubrey. That's all I know. I don't know >> Aubrey is his first name? >> And cuz until we have someone I like an actual I [music] >> I done told I done gave them pictures and told them I know exactly where he lives. >> have But we don't [music] have facial recognition, is what I'm saying. So, we >> you know where he lives, why ain't you >> We can't just boot a door. We still have to have probable cause to do that. >> You do. What do you mean? >> I We don't. >> Like and I told them a year ago he's buying under age kids guns. So, all of this is okay? I'm sorry. I'm upset because >> that. You just left a voicemail with the gang unit 2 days ago, correct? >> Yeah, no, but I talked to the detectives over a year ago. >> So this things like things like this do take time. >> [music] >> Well, I understand that, but we live just got shot at with the morning. >> When did this when did this happen? >> Like literally [music] two two nights ago. >> Okay. >> And he shooting up in the house over there. It has babies in it. It has toddlers in the house. >> I'm not saying that none of this is true. >> No, I'm just saying that this is the situation. >> do take time. So there's nothing I'm going to be able to do right at this moment other than talk past more information along with the detectives. >> But that So so if he shoots my SON AND I HAVE to bury my son after I've been telling telling after police about this for years. Nobody's been contacted yet. >> been able to give us a name. >> Do you need like evidence like footage of a shooting? >> what what Hang on. >> He wants a name. They want a name. >> What what is it that you want to see happen right this minute? >> That No, I'm >> Charges need to be pressed against him. >> I don't have a name. So right there I can't sign a warrant. I can't just sign a warrant on Bo. >> So it's okay. What I'm not saying that, but you guys got my information. You guys got a picture of him. You guys got a picture of him. You know what he looks like. You know he's been involved in all this stuff. >> There still has to be probable cause. >> Buying an underage person a gun is not probable cause. Shooting at people in the >> What evidence do I have of that? >> He just said he has a video of this dude shooting at them. >> Okay, but I still have to have probable cause verified. >> tries to take your life, that's not probable cause. If somebody tries to kill you, that's not probable cause. I'm asking. That's what I'm saying. What How is that not probable cause? If somebody tries to >> You've already passed the information along with to the detectives. >> understanding. That's why I'm asking cuz I'm not understanding this. If somebody tries to >> probable >> kill me, that's not a good enough reason? >> There still has to be articulable or some sort of video evidence proof. Okay, did you pass that along to the detectives? >> Yes, we did. >> Okay. So the detectives, I imagine, have an investigation going on. Just because you haven't heard back from it doesn't mean that they just put it to the side and they're not doing anything. Are you calling when things are happening? >> Yes, I told them. I'm supposed to keep calling Look, okay, so obviously I'm wasting your time right now, right? >> If he is out front of your home or doing something, are you calling when that happens? I I understand because I'm the one responding to these calls. Do you know how many calls I go to personally just a day? >> I get that. I totally get that. Totally get that. But when I'm calling and it takes an hour, that he's he's gone by then. >> but when we're going to shootings and stabbings and domestics where the people are actually getting their asses kicked and beat, when it comes in as a suspicious person Okay. >> [laughter] >> You have a good day, dear. >> You're being rude to me and >> I tried to understand. I tried to I tried to explain it to you and you did not want to listen to what I had to say. And you have done nothing but What? Are you the one who just got arrested? >> What's up? >> Get out of my [ __ ] Get out of my face. >> Don't touch my son. >> the [ __ ] off >> Don't touch my son cuz you're not allowed to violate >> GET THE [ __ ] OFF [laughter] OF >> Hey Nikki, I will BEAT YOUR [ __ ] >> GET ON THE GROUND. GET ON THE GROUND. GET ON THE GET ON THE GROUND. >> I KNOW YOU AIN'T >> GET OFF OF ME. >> BECAUSE HE WANTS >> GET THE [ __ ] OFF OF HIM. GET OFF OF THERE. >> YOU PUT HIS HANDS ON YOUR HANDS on him first. BECAUSE HE PUT HIS HANDS ON MY CHILD. >> 16, have the unit STEP IT UP. >> GET UP! OFF OF HIM! >> GET OFF OF HIM. >> NO, YOU GET OFF OF HIM. >> GET BACK. >> YOU TOUCHED HIM FIRST. >> PUT YOUR HANDS BEHIND YOUR BACK. PUT YOUR HANDS BEHIND YOUR GET OFF OF HIM. >> GET OFF OF HIM. >> Put your HANDS BEHIND YOUR BACK. >> OF MY CHILD. He shouldn't have touched him. GET OFF OF MY SON. YOU TOUCHED HIM FIRST. HE DIDN'T EVEN TOUCH YOU. >> Get off of me. >> You get off of me. >> to get charged with assault. >> I'm about to get you charged. >> tall. >> I called the cops. I called YOU FOR HELP AND YOU WON'T HELP. [screaming] >> GET HER BACK. >> THIS IS [ __ ] I GOT PEOPLE SHOOTING AT MY KIDS AND THESE [ __ ] IN AKRON DON'T WANT TO DO [ __ ] >> Go up ON THE PORCH. >> I GOT TO DO [ __ ] >> You're going to get charged, too. >> This is my property. This is my property. >> Get up on the porch. >> This is my property. >> Step back. You're getting charged, too. >> This is my property. This is my property. You should have never touched him. >> Under Graham versus Connor, use of force reasonableness must be judged from the officer's perspective at the moment of decision, considering the severity of crime, immediate threat, and active resistance. The pivotal moment occurs when the officer initiates physical contact with Jonah. This contact determines the legality of everything that follows. Under Terry versus Ohio, officers may briefly detain someone only with reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. Jonah's approach, while unwelcome, shows no aggressive gestures or threatening statements. The officer appears to initiate contact based on discomfort with proximity rather than articulable reasonable suspicion of imminent harm required by the Fourth Amendment. Once physical struggle begins, Ohio Revised Code Section 2903.3 applies. This statute prohibits knowingly causing physical harm to a peace officer engaged in lawful duties. The critical element is lawful duties. If the initial seizure was unlawful, the officer was not engaged in lawful duties, and assault charges may not apply. Ohio Revised Code Section 2921.33 criminalizes resisting lawful arrest. Modern Ohio law has abolished the common law right to resist unlawful arrest. Citizens must submit to police authority and challenge unlawful actions in court afterward, not through physical resistance in the moment. >> [clears throat] >> That's why you came out here with attitude. IT DIDN'T EVEN HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH HIM. >> YOU'RE going to when they get here, you're going to put your hands behind your back. >> He has this is feeling your face right now. >> Well, that's another charge. >> Shut the >> Get back. >> I said [ __ ] you. >> Get back. >> YOU PUT YOUR HANDS ON HIM FIRST. YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE TOUCHED HIM. YOU GUYS KNOW he's autistic. YOUR OFFICER TOUCHED MY CHILD FIRST. >> GET THE BACK. >> AND HE ALREADY KNOWS THAT HE'S AUTISTIC. >> Get She's the issue. GET HER BACK. >> I'M NOT THE ISSUE. I'M NOT EVEN DOING NOTHING. LOOK, I GOT HOLD ON. LET ME >> HEY, YOU TOOK MY MOM. You took my mom. You took my mom. >> I told you to get >> You took my mom. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah, it's on now. It's on. It's on. It's on. It's on. You're going to kick ass over me. You're going to kick ass over me. >> Stop. Get back. >> to talk to you. >> No, we got peace. >> I got peace. >> You. Kevin. >> Yeah, I I CAN I TALK TO YOU? THIS IS RIDICULOUS. MY SON IS AUTISTIC. >> YEAH, you're about TO BREAK MY ARM. >> BACK. DON'T MOVE. >> I SWEAR TO GOD THAT'S NOT THE CASE. GET THIS OFF of me. >> I swear to god you hurt me. I swear to god you're going to call your I swear to god kill me over you. >> You're in a second. Once I get him under control. >> Okay, but he's autistic. He's on autistic too and this dude was talking The cop was being rude to me and put his hands on him first. He came out HERE BEING A DICK. I'M TRYING TO TALK to him about these people shooting at my other child. THEY DIDN'T EVEN HAVE NOTHING to do with him. This is crazy as bro. Like Like this. is what I'm saying because he's mad. >> What's your name, man? >> Well, I was saying he's mad. >> Second he spoke TO AN OFFICER. SIT YOUR SIDE. >> [ __ ] YOU. HE'S AUTISTIC. >> RIGHT HERE, WRAP. STOP. HEY. >> OFFICER, PLEASE QUIT. >> ALL RIGHT. PUT HIM BACK on the ground. Yeah. >> MY CHILD FIRST. >> BACK to the ground. Straight to a wrap. >> HE'S ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM. He's on the autism spectrum. Your police OFFICER SHOT DOWN MY CHILD FIRST. >> Get out of the way here. Step up. Sit down. >> All right. All right. All right. I got you. I wasn't even trying to fight you and I'm just trying to explain to you because I didn't even call for him. I called because two nights ago this idiot like the police don't want to do nothing. >> Yeah, I need all these cops to leave. We got >> Because >> I got something for [laughter] y'all. I got something for y'all [ __ ] >> The [ __ ] I didn't see he punched me because he was treating me like [ __ ] That dude was treating me like [ __ ] >> You good? Get her to a car. It'll help settle everything down. Yeah. Hey, come here. >> Because I've been trying to talk to the detectives about this for days. Hold on. But what? >> WAIT. WAIT. >> WHY DO YOU GRAB IT ON ME? HOLD ON. WHAT ARE YOU DOING? >> MA, WHERE IS YOUR KEYS AND STUFF? >> I AM. >> WHERE IS YOUR KEYS? >> COME ON. COME ON. BRO. >> WHERE IS YOUR KEYS? >> WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? >> WHY ARE YOU WHY ARE YOU GRABBING? I WAS JUST TALKING >> What the [ __ ] is going on? What is going on? Get in the car. >> You're going to make me fall. >> All right. Don't fall. Just get in the car. >> I I GET THAT, BUT MY YOU HAVE MY ONE ARM AND I CAN'T WALK LIKE THAT. >> Put your feet in. >> I got it. >> Put your feet in. >> Put your feet in. >> I'm trying. >> You're not. Thank you. >> to understand I have autoimmune issues. My legs hurt really bad. My body is [ __ ] up. You have to be patient. >> I swear to god I'm going to beat your ass when I get back. I swear to [ __ ] god I'm beating your ass. I'm beating the [ __ ] out of you you [ __ ] I swear to god you better have it with you. I swear to god. I swear to my [ __ ] god you better have it with you. I'm beating the [ __ ] [ __ ] out of you. >> Walked up my brother walked outside with the dog. They got into a fight. I come out to see what's going on and I broke And then I don't know why my mom was cuffed cuz I tried to get my brother off the dog. I don't know why she's in cuffs and oh >> All right, well >> [laughter] >> being in cuffs doesn't mean like just with everything going on she might just be in cuffs just to to calm everything down cuz she >> using is very Got you. Got you. >> It's very confusing. >> Well, and but when we get it >> Something has Something has to be said about the first dude. Like for real. >> All right. Yeah, yeah, yeah. >> He already started He already threatened to spit on us. >> Stop. >> Why spit, man? >> I will spit on you if you want me to. I will. >> No. No. No. No. Relax. >> Dude, you're you're you're going to hurt yourself. >> You want to get hurt, bro? >> Getting hurt, man. >> Don't Just chill. Relax, bud. Relax. >> The mother's intervention raises First Amendment issues. Under City of Houston versus Hill, verbal criticism of officers, even when vehement, is constitutionally protected speech. However, physical interference with arrest constitutes obstruction under Ohio Revised Code Section 2921.31, which prohibits hindering public officials performing lawful duties. The prosecution must prove the mother physically obstructed, not merely verbally protested. Video evidence will be scrutinized for this distinction. Autism spectrum disorder affects communication, behavior, and social interaction. Individuals may struggle with unexpected physical contact and misinterpret social cues. Law enforcement increasingly trains officers to recognize developmental disabilities through crisis intervention team programs, adjusting approach to avoid unnecessary force. This case illustrates the gap between citizen expectations and legal reality. The family believed providing evidence warranted immediate arrest. >> Excuse us. >> I don't know what he was talking about. He just literally >> Okay, you got five. >> walked out the door. >> Who said that? >> The the the the the person that >> You guys got you guys you >> And then >> For me, a little ass 15-year-old. Y'all said please y'all we y'all need to go back to the gym. Y'all are soft. Get your ass beat. You mean all these cops >> You In this type of field, you got to be respected. We're telling you we've been shot at and harassed. >> Who's What's What's the reason and what's going on with it? >> Because we don't because the little ones don't uh >> with the dude shooting and whatnot. Like what's up with this? >> He's mad because my little cousin does not want to be in a gang. They don't They don't want to be in a gang. And he's that mad. Hey my man. Hey hey >> Hey hey hey. >> This is all chaotic after the fact. What happened before? >> She just watched her autistic son get basically bullied by this dude, like for real. I don't know what his issue was. Like >> Yeah. >> My son I was trying to tell you that the other one that got arrested the other one that has the tattoo. He was involved with him at one point. My son and his dude took my son out of school without permission. He bought this man a gun. I've been I have constant pictures of everything. Nobody's done about nothing about it. The night before last night this guy I bow after I give him pictures and all types of stuff and nobody's doing anything shot at my child, right? >> to stop you for one second. One second. Thank you. >> Okay, so I I've been calling because this dude bow he's like he tried to fight my child, right? This is true. >> This is why the officers are here today? >> Yeah, because I told I called out town to talk to somebody and she's like all you should do is call the police back out. So I called you guys back out to talk to him. He got here and officer he's already dealt with my 15-year-old because my 15-year-old was out taking He had a mental a mental breakdown not too long ago. >> This is the same one that they just arrested? >> Yeah. >> He's 15? >> Yeah. He had a mental breakdown and was flipping out and I called for help at that time too. Well, he already had an attitude with him because of that. Well, dude was acting all rude and [ __ ] towards me and I'm actually like how do you leave and I'm trying to explain to you he told me >> Hold on let me pause for a second. So the reason that the police today was because your was your son having an episode? >> Yeah, because not not right this second but he was like have you called us? I'm like every time I call y'all take y'all like 30 minutes or an hour. And this dude is pacing my house out. He has guns and stuff. He has a tape >> Your son? >> No, this dude bow. >> Okay. >> And then he has a 10-year-old little brother running around here with a gun shooting at people too. 10-year-old and 16-year-old locked up in his house pregnant. Okay? So I already have >> he live? >> Right down here on Emberly. I've been telling these people about this dude forever. Right? So anyways, Jonas started popping off with the mouth but your officer touched my son first. >> Jonas is 15 >> He's a 14-year-old. >> So, she called him over. Huh? You said she called him over, right? Okay, and then once they got here, they got into an argument. >> He's not going anywhere. >> All right. So, who was pulling Who was pulling who off? >> When I got out here, they were wrestling. >> The male and the female was wrestling. >> My brother and the guy were wrestling. >> Okay. >> I pulled my brother off brother off the cop. >> Okay. >> And he He was just pulling him towards him. >> Okay. >> Me trying to stop it, I was pulling him off. He's pulling him like, "Why are you doing this?" He's trying to act like >> Okay. >> The cops not helping. >> Okay. Yeah. >> He was off the cop. >> Doesn't >> Do nothing. >> I'm doing nothing nothing nothing. >> Now, do they know the original reason why Mandy called y'all over? >> I just thought of I just thought of shooting them. >> People that shot at my house the other night are watching her house, too. >> Okay. >> So, this is why the call was originally made. >> Okay. >> And like, we're in fear for our lives. Like, these people have already shot at my my house. I got bullet holes through my my living room. >> Okay. >> There's bullet holes in other people's houses from these people going by. >> Okay. So, originally your daughter called because >> No, this is She's my friend. >> The original reason why your friend called is because somebody is following >> Yes, they're watching my house and they're watching her house. >> Okay. >> Because all my kids they all hang around. It's It's It's a roof. It's It's a roof. Yes, everybody's watching. So, that's the original reason why she called because they're all watching waiting for a slip up. >> Okay. >> They shot at my son. My I'm keeping him He's leaving for Kentucky >> is your son? This is your Okay. >> that's Mandy's son. >> Okay. >> My My My son is leaving for Kentucky today. I'm not doing this no more. >> Okay. >> Because they're trying They tried to recruit him into this little >> is, or not? >> Who? >> I don't know who he is. I don't know who he is. >> Do you know where he lives at, or he stays? >> Who? >> Whoever shot at the house, or shot at you guys the other day. >> Can you Y'all Look, I'm not trying TO ARGUE WITH NOBODY, BUT YOU GUYS GOT TO UNDERSTAND how my child is. He's working through stuff. My son is on the autism spectrum. He's working through a lot of stuff right now. >> Yeah. >> Like I I just need everybody to know that, because he's not like this. >> aware of that. >> And dude put his hands on my child first, which he >> We're well aware of it. >> I'm sorry. I just like I just want everybody to have No, like dude came out super rude. I'm trying to say I'm trying to help in this neighborhood. People shooting on my other son and stuff, like I worry This guy keeps harassing us, walking around my house. I'm home by myself. >> So >> The circumstances kind of sucks all the way around. You know what I mean? Is he your brother? >> No, that's >> Her Her son is obviously really defensive of her. Um she's trying to provide information to the police. Uh the officer said that that information has already been provided to the police and transferred to the detective. So us as patrolmen, there's not a whole lot we could do. However, it transpired um Jonah didn't really like how the officer was speaking to his mother, and he basically engaged with the officer, or followed him to his cruiser in kind of a >> 24. >> This is It's It's It's on camera. >> All right. Whatever Whatever you say. I watched the dog run in. >> doing three? >> Wait. Hold on. Let me see what's out here first. Hold on. So can you say that back? >> Jonah follows the officer to the cruiser in kind of a threatening kind of manner, because he's trying to defend his mother. Um and so the officer decides to go hands-on with Jonah, because he felt threatened. And then the tussle took place. >> Was it a understandable thing that you would have did? >> seen the video, so I can't say. >> Yeah, I'm sorry. >> I didn't do nothing. I was trying to help her. >> Not yet. >> So, my understanding is then mom tries to intervene with that altercation with Joanna, which No. Which is why she's being >> didn't she didn't follow up? Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. No, she just asked for a different cop. WHY IS SHE >> NO. NO, YOU'RE NOT. >> WHY? Cuz you want to put your [ __ ] hands on me again? >> I won't touch you. >> Dude, that's all >> No, I don't want you to touch me or that other dude that touched me cuz you're a liar. >> But then But then he was like, "Or what?" Or >> The cop? You told me you were going to beat the cop's ass. Okay. >> we started pressing each other and then they So, he started He pushed me first cuz he didn't want me in his face, so I I pushed him back lower and then we started like, you know, going at it like trying to grab each other and [ __ ] And then my brother, which is right there >> Mhm. >> beside the other cop >> Uh-huh. And the And the gray pants? >> No, the other one. >> The other one in the in the black pants with the hood up? Okay. >> Yeah, he he came out of nowhere guarding me like when he put me in a chokehold trying to grab me too and took me over to my mom's and I started fighting him. >> Okay. >> And then out of nowhere the cop just came down cuz I was fighting my brother and then we both threw each other on the ground and then somehow he just came out of nowhere and sat on me [ __ ] >> All right. >> And then he threw my mom first for resisting arrest. Apparently now they're trying to arrest my mom for no reason. >> Okay. >> She didn't do [ __ ] I'm the one that did everything. >> I got you. You got anything else you want to tell me? >> But so so where y'all taking my mom to today? >> Resisting arrest and obstructing official business. >> When? When she >> So >> attacked and night >> Listen, is there anything else you want to tell me? >> No. No. No. I want to tell you how I was attacked and night >> done I'm done No, I'm done talking to you. I'm done talking to you. If you don't have anything more If you don't If you don't have anything more to tell me >> Let me talk about my >> You're going to jail now, okay? >> All right. Back Back. All right. Back. I'm You don't got to arrest her. Maybe like 3 minutes. >> Yeah. >> Just >> 3 minutes. >> Right here? >> This is [ __ ] bro. >> Step up. Just watch your head. Watch your head. >> THEY THEY TRYING TO CHARGE ME WITH ASSAULT, Y'ALL. >> FOR WHAT? >> BECAUSE HE TRIED TO SAY THAT he felt threatened or something. I didn't even All I did was try to separate everybody from fighting. Cuz Jonah is only 15. >> I'm only 23. You can check my rating. >> He's a liar. He's a [ __ ] liar. >> The teen was arrested and charged with assault on a police officer. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2935.0, officers may arrest without warrant only with reasonable grounds to believe a felony occurred or a misdemeanor in their presence. Citizen complaints, while important, do not provide patrol officers legal authority for immediate arrest. Detectives must develop probable cause through investigation. The responding officer receives a C+. While his probable cause explanation was legally accurate and he showed restraint during chaos, initiating physical contact with Jonah appears premature. Under Fourth Amendment standards, Jonah's approach does not clearly demonstrate immediate threat justifying forcible seizure without articulable reasonable suspicion. To his credit, the officer did not escalate to taser or OC spray despite opportunities. He used control techniques rather than strikes and maintained professional commands. However, discomfort with proximity does not create Fourth Amendment authority to seize. Better de-escalation would create distance verbally before physical contact. Jonah receives a D. While defending his mother was motivated by love, physically engaging law enforcement was dangerous and unlawful regardless of who initiated contact. His actions constitute assault on a peace officer under Ohio law. Modern legal framework requires court challenges, not physical resistance in the moment. Mitigating factors include his age, autism spectrum disorder affecting situational processing, and reactive rather than premeditated response. His immediate compliance once handcuffed demonstrates capacity to follow commands when situation stabilize, common in individuals with autism. The mother receives a C minus. Her frustration was understandable and protective instinct natural, but intervention during arrest crossed from protected speech into obstruction. She deserves credit for persistent reporting through proper channels and detailed threat information. After arrest, she did not escalate further. However, approaching the struggle created legal liability. The correct response was documenting the interaction, requesting a supervisor, and filing complaints afterward. Maternal instinct must be channeled into legal advocacy rather than physical intervention, which compounds danger without helping the situation. The department receives a B minus. Supervisor oversight was appropriate, backup responded properly, and use of force was documented for review. However, apparent lack of specialized training for autism and developmental disabilities represents a significant gap in modern policing standards. Crisis intervention team training teaches recognition of mental illness and developmental disabilities, enabling officers to de-escalate encounters with special populations. Additionally, the family's perception that year-long complaints were ignored suggests communication failure between investigators and complainants, requiring better victim liaison. Key lessons. First, understand that investigations require time and legal process. Citizen complaints alone do not authorize immediate arrest without probable cause. Second, physical resistance to police rarely improves situations and almost always makes them worse, even when you believe officers are acting unlawfully. Third, document everything. Record interactions when legal, request supervisors, obtain badge numbers, and pursue legal remedies through courts and internal affairs. Fourth, officers must recognize that individuals with autism may exhibit behaviors misinterpreted as threatening when they're actually disability manifestations. Fifth, de-escalation should precede physical contact whenever safe and feasible. Create distance, slow the situation, and use verbal techniques before force. Finally, parents protecting children must balance protective instinct with legal reality. Physical intervention during arrests creates additional charges without preventing the arrest. Let us know your thoughts on this case in the comments below. 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