Some dads think their control at home makes them untouchable. >> It's a a punish. >> It's a what? >> How did she hurt her? >> She said she hurt her. >> Like did she physically hurt her? >> Yeah, it's uh uh this is my first time. >> Yeah, I know. It's unfortunate. I'll give your wife all the information. Sorry about that. >> But when the law or circumstance intervenes, they finally face the price of their actions. What? Am I in trouble or can I continue taking care of my kids to the best of my ability the way I do? And I ain't the world's greatest dad, >> but I'm the best dad these kids have got. I've done everything for these kids, man. Everything in the world. Everything in the world. >> Here are the times when evil dads finally get what they deserve. Starting with an irresponsible father who blamed his son's behavior on teenage attitude and refused to acknowledge the harm that he caused until it became clear that the child had secretly called the police after suffering one too many injuries from father. >> We got a call >> about uh who called? >> I believe it was your son. >> Yeah. >> For what? >> There's no arrest. >> I'm a teenager. >> No, you're a teenager. >> Yeah. I'm wondering what's what happened. >> He's a teenager. I'm asleep. He tried to hit me. I defended myself and that turned him into pushing me into the chair and trying to hit me in the head. >> I need you to come out. Under arrest. >> Yes. >> On the 26th of June 2025, police responded to a domestic call involving a father and his teenage son. What initially appeared to be a routine welfare check quickly escalated into a tense and complicated confrontation between an unhinged dad and the law. >> Hey, what's up, buddy? Hey, >> what's going on? Can I help you out? >> Yeah, we got a call >> about uh who called? >> I believe it was your son. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Can you come out and talk to me and can can you call him out, too? >> What's going on? >> Well, that's what I'm trying to figure out. What's going on? He called. >> What's going on? >> Oh, that's what I'm figuring out. What's going on? Okay. >> Um I guess there was some kind of argument between you and him. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, >> teenager. >> Yeah, teenager. I get it. >> I'll call my son. >> I appreciate it. Thank you. >> All right. Have a good day, buddy. No, like I need to talk to him. >> Is there an arrest warrant or something? >> Well, I need to figure out if there is an arrest or not. So, >> for what? >> There's no arrest. A >> teenager? No, you're a teenager. >> Yeah, I'm wondering what's what happened. >> He's a teenager. I'm asleep. >> No, I get it. I'm just I'm just wondering what's going on. >> Thank you, sir. I'll call my son. >> Where is he? >> He is not here right now, sir. >> He's not here. >> No, I'm sorry. >> Sorry. Yes. Okay. >> I got to get to work, sir. >> Okay. >> What? What is he? What's going on? >> Well, I heard there was Well, he called us. He said there was some argument between you and him. So, that's what I'm wondering about. What happened? >> You got an easy job. >> What do you mean >> you got an easy job, bud? >> Okay. >> Well, yeah. That's what I need to talk to both parties to see what's going on. >> He's okay right now. >> Okay. >> You don't have his number? >> No, I don't. Well, let me see. Actually, maybe. >> Okay. >> Is he not home? >> No, he's not home right now. Hm. Okay. Let me let me see if I can find his number. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> I'm his father. I don't need you get a hard time, sir. >> I'm I'm not trying to get you a hard time either. >> You trampled on my rights. >> Okay. >> Please step off the privilege of my home. >> Well, listen to me. I'm investigating something. >> I'm investigating something. Okay. >> Okay. Thank you. Please step off the privilege of my police, sir. >> Okay. I got his number. Do you want me to call him? >> Please. >> Okay. >> Officers first made contact with a father whose behavior immediately raised concerns. He was defensive and dismissive. He knew that the cops being at his doorstep meant that karma had finally come around a little faster than usual. He needed to somehow justify his actions, even if he sounded ridiculous. >> Hello. >> Hello. >> Hey, this is Deputy San with Kon Sheriff's Office. >> All right. >> Yeah. What's going on? >> Hey. Uh, you're the one who called? >> Yeah. Yeah, I called earlier. >> Okay. Are you here? >> Uh, yeah. I'm in the back right now. >> Okay. Can you come out? Your father is not very compliant with us, so >> Okay. Oh, I'm in socks right now and the back door is locked. So, >> give me a second. >> All right. Thank you, sir. >> I'm still I'm talking to him right now. So, when he comes out, >> he is a minor, sir. Thank you. >> Is there a mother or anybody else in the house? Okay. >> I'm his father. Thank you so much. >> Okay. >> Can you please give me a little space here, sir? >> I'm not You have your have the whole door, man. >> Home, sir. >> Hey, what's up? >> All right, dude. Stay away, please. We're having a family officer. >> Yeah. Well, I'm going to have to talk to you. Okay. Just so you know, this is a This is an ongoing investigation. Okay. >> Good. Please right here, sir. >> No, I'm going to have to talk to you like in person. >> Talk to me right now, sir. >> Okay. Well, give me a second. Let me talk to your son first. >> Please leave your card right here, sir. Give a card, sir. >> Okay. Well, I need I need >> Jesus Christ. >> Are you injured or anything? A little bit. Not that bad. It's fine. >> Okay. Do you want me to try to hit me with the chair, dude? Please >> please >> get your shoes on. >> All right. Don't close the door, man. >> I'm right here, sir. I'm right here, sir. Call my lawyer. >> Yeah, call your lawyer, but don't close the door on me. That version of events began to fall apart once officers spoke with the son. He was quite calm and cooperative and painted a very different picture, contradicting his father's claims and suggesting a pattern of troubling behavior. What you got, my man? >> Do you have a card, sir? >> I do. I'll get It's in my car. I'll get it later. Sir, >> huh? >> There's any eminence? >> What's that? Can >> you please give me a card here, sir? >> I'll get it later. I'm not going to get it now. >> Thank you, sir. >> Yeah. >> Have a good day. No. What's What's going on? Why are we here? >> Have a good day, sir. Because I got a teenager, sir. That's fine. >> Okay. Well, can you talk to me about it? I have kids. Maybe I understand. >> That's all I can say, sir. Thank you. >> Okay. So, your your statement is you have kids and that's why we're here. >> Sir, would you please step off the privilege of my home? I did ask you for some identification, sir. >> Keller 102. >> Copy of your card. >> Last name, Keller. Badge number 102. >> Let me get some paper right down. >> Okay. >> Thank you, sir. Good day. Oh, Samuel. Okay, officer. Color 151. Thank you. >> Nope. 102. >> 102. >> All right. Thank you. >> Why are we here? >> Yeah, it's a good question. But I like I said, that's my son. I don't want to answer any more questions, sir. >> I'm a father. I'm a single father. >> He's a teenager, sir. Yeah. >> So, we're here investigating a domestic battery possibly. So, I'd like to get your side of the story, >> sir. I have no uh I have no uh comments for it right now. >> You have no comments? >> No. Domestic battery? >> Mhm. >> Father and a son, sir? >> Yeah. Yeah, it qualifies. >> Thanks. >> So, you don't want to talk to me, >> my son. >> I understand. Are you saying you don't want to speak to me, >> sir? What else is there to say? >> I need to figure out what happened here. As the interview continued, the son detailed exactly what had happened inside the home, leaving little room for doubt. >> What caused the argument? Can I see Can I take picture? >> Uh, yeah. This is from yesterday cuz we >> He did that yesterday. >> Yeah, we were fighting here. And this is from 2 days ago. We were fighting in the middle of the street. Um, >> you were fighting in the middle of the street? >> Yeah, it it was bad. This is Sorry, I've explained this to so many people and no one has helped me. I'm just kind of tired of explaining the same thing. >> So, I'm just >> Dude, I'm I'm so fed up. >> Can I just show you photos I've been taking of events that's been leading up >> this? We got into a fight a long time ago. Last time we got this bad where I got injured like this. We got into a fight where I was trying to take a shower in the morning. There's no hot water >> and he comes I'm still naked, mind you. He comes breaking down the door while I'm still naked and he tries to hit me. I gave him two black eyes that day. I'm sure if he shows you a photo of that, you understand this, this isn't a new thing. >> This isn't a new thing. >> No, no, no. >> A lot of this is just over. He's been I found out he's been taking my money, which has annoyed me and he's denied it and he's tried charging me for ahead. >> I don't want to leave him >> cuz I do believe he has potential >> but he can get like this. >> Thank you. >> Then what happened? Why are we here? >> Okay. What happened today? >> Today I caught him drinking and I was like, "Dude, you can't keep drinking like this. Can you please get up? 6:00. Can you please get up?" You feel in the morning 6:00 p.m. He's still sleeping. I caught him drinking. I'm like, "Dude, can you please stop drinking at 6:00? Please get up." Shut the up. I don't know how it escalated. He tried to hit me. I defended myself and that turned him into pushing me into the chair and trying to hit me in the head. Then he moved from the chair and tried to hit me with the white chair that you can see back there just behind him. It's on the floor right now in the kitchen. >> And he saw hitting him with a chair, right? >> Yeah. No, I defended myself from the chair. Then he tried to go back. It was really fast. >> Meanwhile, the father remained combative and unwilling to cooperate, making it increasingly clear that he was hiding something. Based on the son's statements and the totality of the circumstances, officers had little choice but to take action. >> How old is he? he can take care of himself. >> So again, if you don't want to cooperate, you can go sit in jail for 72 hours. >> I'm going to jail for 72 hours. >> If you're not going to give me any part of your story, that's a possibility. >> Uh let me consult with the uh attorney, please. >> I mean, this is not the time or place for that. You only need an attorney if you're being arrested. >> Are you arresting me, sir? >> I am not arresting you. Not at this point. No. >> However, if you don't want to cooperate, you will be held on a 72-hour investigative hold. Sorry. >> If you don't want to cooperate, you will be held on a 72-hour investigative detention. That is not an arrest, >> dude. No, you're not. Don't show him the name. >> Don't talk to him. Don't >> Ignore him while we figure out what's going on. >> So, he's got injuries. >> I do believe he can be a cooperative person that doesn't get like this, but I don't know what happened. I seriously don't. >> Okay. He said around safe. He told his dad he stopped drinking. He lashed out. He's been >> sleeping all night today. He hasn't done anything. >> So he lashed out on him and started beating him. He said throwing you on the ground and hit you on the head. >> He didn't throw me on the ground. He throw me on the chair. >> On the chair. >> And he tried to hit me. I don't know if there's a bruise on my head. I doubt it. It didn't feel that hard, but he still hit me like around this area. >> Okay. >> And then all the stuff on your left arm is from him. >> Uh today, yesterday, and two days ago. >> So yesterday they they said they were had a fight right there. So, you've had fights three days in a row that have gotten physical with your dad? >> Yeah. >> Oh, wonderful. >> I mean, it's been like this for months, but it's I don't want to be taking like DCFS. I don't want that to be involved cuz that happened to my brother and I saw how bad that can get. >> I like I said, I do believe it can get better. He's just in this weird phase right now and I just need to be away from I can't I can't be near that. >> I get that. Um, >> this hap this has been a story with his family for his entire life. He gets like this during certain point. >> Is your mom in the picture at all? >> She is, but she lives far far away. >> So, they're not together. >> No, she wants to take me, but I go to school here. >> She hasn't given up her rights or anything like that. >> Um, he did go to prison a few years ago, so my custody did get handed over to her, but I went back with him. So, I'm confused on what that does mean >> for me. Anything recent though? >> Any recent custody agreements that you know of? >> No, we haven't. >> Was it through Kane or a different county? >> I'm not sure. It might have been through Kane, but I'm not 100% on the situation. >> Okay. >> I was only 12 when all had happened. >> Right. Understandable. >> Did you call the police yesterday? >> Uh, no. No. >> Before that, no, nobody else. >> I was able to fend for myself yesterday. That's why I didn't call. Today is like the first day he actually >> got the upper hand on me >> in the fight. Um, the house has been trashed. Like, looks like a homeless person. And I've been trying so hard to fix it. This is what it used to look like before I started cleaning it. >> Um, I've been pissed cuz he's not been helping me clean it. And he just continues to make it worse. I'm like, "Come on, dude. Can you please help me? Can you please help?" He's like, "Stop. Stop. Just don't clean it. Don't clean it." And he tries to fight me when I'm trying to help him. I don't understand. >> All right. Give us one minute. Okay. Even as he was placed under arrest, the father attempted to deflect blame and portray himself as the victim, refusing to take any responsibility for his actions. >> I need you to come out. >> Under arrest? >> Yes. >> What's the charge? >> You need to come out. >> Okay. Can I write a phone number down, sir? >> Will you? Yeah. I'll give you a second. Let me put you in handcuffs and then we will give you We'll write it down for you. How about that? >> Can I talk to my son, please? Could you a little bit of time? >> Just walk out. >> All right. You're standing here. We should talk to myself. >> Yes, you can. But we have to put you in handcuffs first. Okay. >> Anyway, we can avoid the handcuffs in jail. I got >> All right. Be compliant with us. You know how this goes. You've been you you've been that route before, right, >> Brian? >> So, you need to come out. >> Yeah, you need to come out. >> Am I going to jail? >> Yes, you are going to jail. You need to come out, >> Brian. What's going on? >> You need to come out and we'll talk about it. So if you just come out. >> Okay. I got to call a friend. So I may come outside then make your phone call. >> Okay. >> Brian. >> Yes, sir. >> I'm going to let you know. >> Excuse me. I got 3761. >> I'm going to let you know this now. If this doesn't go smooth, I'm >> I'm also charging you with obstruction. >> Excuse me. >> So make this as easy as possible. Yes, sir. I I'm not going to >> Drop the cigarette. Put it out. Hey, >> man. Put me out here. Please, >> man. This is my This is my son, man. Come on. >> You got to put out the cigarette. Come on. Put the cigarette out, bro. >> Tell you what, if you're going to cooperate and you stick to your I'll let you finish the cigarette. >> All right. Yes, sir. >> But if you're going to be a jackass, >> I know I buddy, I'm not trying to be a jackass. >> I'm just letting you know. >> Yes, sir. >> The way you were with me at the door, pretty well signaled that you were going to be a jackass. >> Yeah, you don't deserve that. >> So, if you're going to cooperate, I'll let you finish the signal. Thank you, sir. But we're going to do it out here. >> Okay. There is no bond. >> There's no more bond in Illinois. >> Remember when Illinois passed the safety act? >> See a judge tomorrow. >> More than likely the judge will let you out tomorrow. >> But you have to see a judge. >> Can I get some socks, man? I'm not trying to run, but can I >> They're They have socks for you at the gym. >> They They have everything. >> Can I Could we save a little time, please? >> He's not in any eminent danger, man. >> This is what it is. Just finish finish your cigarette and then we're going to do what we have to do. >> Could you please >> Brian? >> Could you please stand there? He >> just finish your cigarette and we're going to do what we have. >> Single dad, man. Come on. >> I get it. >> That's That's called >> tampering with a witness. >> It's best to keep your mouth shut, brother. I don't have to tell you nothing. >> Stop talking to him or we're going to get rid of the cigarette. Yes, >> just more charges are adding to you. So, stop stop talking. I'm not we're not charging you, but if you stop start stop talking, brother. >> Just finish your cigarette and then let's get this over with. >> So, here we're charging. >> Oh, okay. >> Here's the thing with these charges. >> Yes, sir. >> He may be the victim, but it's domestic battery. So, the state becomes the complaintant. >> How's this thing, man? >> The way Illinois law is codified is victim's in a domestic battery situation, the state becomes the victim. The state places a high severity on domestic battery. >> This is my son, a single dad. >> I get it. >> He's going through some teenage stuff, man. >> He's also got injuries. >> Injuries from what? Sam, would you >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> Stop it. There's a cigarette. >> Who's pressing the charges? You >> I am. >> Come on. Come on, brother. There's no Come on. Would you please reconsider, man? there. I I literally don't have a choice. If I don't arrest you, I go to jail. That's how serious this is. >> Can we sit down and talk, man, over a cup of coffee, please? >> Please, without without >> whoever is with the witness, man. Can we please sit down and talk? >> We can go over to my car and talk. >> Will you have my son? I mean, you I can talk through to you. >> Talk to me over here. >> Anything on you that's going to poke me, stick me, stab me? No. You got any bullets? No. >> Alcohol? >> Knives? Let's say no. Any sir? >> Put your left foot in first. >> Put your left foot in. >> You got a bad >> Thank you. >> I can fit fingers in between there. >> What the heck? >> How you gun you down there, brother? 15. >> In the end, the father was charged with domestic battery. Just like the last parent who pretended nothing was wrong as the evidence closed in, this father showed the same chilling lack of remorse, leaving his child outside for hours and seeing nothing wrong with it. >> It's a punishment. >> It's a sight. >> She's a child, dude. He say it's a punishment. Why would you punish him like this? >> You have to take care of your kids. Okay. >> Probably taking care of >> I understand that. But by you leaving him out there, it's kind of like you're at that point, you're not. >> On the 8th of October 2023, officers were dispatched to a home after receiving reports of a young girl being left outside unsupervised for several hours. When they arrived, they were met by the father who showed little concern for what had been reported. You >> come here. That's all right. >> Because the family is coming in and out of there. They've been here for several months now. Hey, how you doing? All right. You okay? >> You okay? Have you seen her before? >> Yes. >> She was crying. You talk? >> No. >> No. >> They don't speak. >> Hey, your daughter. >> I know. >> It's a a punishment. >> It's out of sight. >> Tell She's a child, dude. >> Yeah, I know. >> Yeah, but you can't do that. You You can't do that. You got an ID? Yeah. Okay, I need your ID. You can't do that. She's too young. She's unattended. This is the unattended uh child. Where's your ID, dude? >> According to the parents, the girl had hit her mother. But whatever happened didn't justify the extreme punishment imposed on a child her age. >> Sorry, man. My idea. >> I'm going to write it up, though. >> Like, yeah. Unattended, bro. literally outside and he telling me that's a punishment. He say it's a punishment. Why would you punish her like this? What did she do? >> Hate Hate mother. >> She hit her mother. >> Yeah. >> Yo, but how old is she? >> Uh six six old. >> She's 6 years old, dude. >> Six. >> Yo, but she cannot leave her outside on the table. >> I know. I know. I know he outside and I I watch him. >> Yeah. >> Bro, I was just going to write it up, bro. to be honest with you. >> Yeah. And I w and I I wish I never be outside. >> Yeah. But the thing is when when other people see her outside like this and if some something were to happen to her, you're responsible for her. >> I know. I I I watch her and her mother watch her and then mother say that that that >> Yeah. But it's like she's six. I get what you're saying. She was totally wrong as a child, but it's like 6 years old. It's a no no. Like if you want to like give up your rights as a parent with her, that's different. But it's like in in the state United, it's like people are going to call. Multiple people called cuz they were concerned about the child. >> Okay. I know. >> Yeah. >> I know. Sorry. Sorry about that. >> Okay, that's fine. It's just like, you know, if some if she were to go missing, we'll have this whole thing on lock down for the rest of the night. >> So, yeah, we can go get your ID. We just >> Okay. Okay. You got your ID? >> Yeah. Yeah. Both parents insisted there was nothing wrong with their actions. Yet the officers clearly saw otherwise. >> So what what made her what what made how what happened? So >> I I don't know. It's his mom said it's a hit mom. So punish outside. >> Okay. >> Stand here. >> Okay. So, did she punch her, Mom? >> Yeah. >> Okay. In the face, where did she punch her at? >> What? >> Where did she punch her? Like, where? Where on the body? Where did she punch her? >> Uh, you know, it's uh >> Oh, just like this. She didn't want to go. Mom was trying to pick her up or something. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> In the corner. In the corner. >> I'm right here at the corner. >> What? >> Yeah. Um, >> this is that. >> Mhm. >> Which daughter was outside, >> right? >> This one. They're twins. >> Yeah. >> All right. How long was the door outside? >> 30 plus minutes. >> 30 plus minutes. >> Yeah. >> Uh, where where is the apartment at? >> Right here. >> Right here. >> Mhm. >> So, this is a form of discipline. >> What? >> This is a form of discipline in where you're from. Is it when you put our aside? Is that a form of discipline? >> Well, she was outside, right? Is it a form of discipline where you're from? >> Punishment. Was it punishment? >> I just want you stand here and think about his fault. >> Oh, okay. >> What What language do you speak? >> Chinese. >> Uh uh Mandarin. >> Mandarin. >> Yeah. >> The father openly admitted that this was a normal form of punishment in their household, even acknowledging that both children had been left outside before. What he didn't realize was that his own words were sealing his fate. >> So basically, you you as a parent, as a dad, and as a mom, you have you're you're you have to take care of your kids. Okay. >> I understand that. But by you leaving them out there, it's kind of like you're at that point, you're not okay. And that's why it's an issue. >> Yeah. And then with it, the reason why it became a bigger issue is because I knocked on door personally myself. I'm knocking on the door, baming on it. I'm knocking on the window. You hear me knocking, right? >> Yeah. >> I look through the crack, nobody, no response. I go to the bathroom window. >> Knock. I >> I think it's uh it's my it's my doctor is allowed. But the thing is, >> it's always the >> Nobody's got eyes on her. That's where the issue comes in. Cuz if someone were to grab her now, we got a missing juvenile. >> My wife is go to our toilet. >> She went to the toilet. >> Yeah. She she she always sits. >> Were you guys watching her while she was outside? >> No. >> What? >> Were you watching her while she was outside? >> It's a It's a window. >> Did you you were watching her through the window? >> Yeah. >> The whole time? >> Yeah. >> No, she's a She's a She's big sister. Is a >> her big sister? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. They're not able to watch each other at that age. If they were 12, 13, 14, 15, they're competent enough. At that age, state of Florida, you cannot leave two kids unattended. That's like sleeping in the house. If they're under the age of 14, >> just in case, I'll just call I >> always plan to neighbors. >> H you talking to the neighbors? >> She won't call. >> She won't want to come. >> She said she left. Came back for 30 minutes. >> Yeah. Always playing outside. They are a good father. >> Oh, >> this is to take may maybe this is something we >> it becomes a danger to not only their her safety, he's responsible for her safety. >> But this is Na's son. >> No, I get what you're saying. But the thing is I knocked on the door myself. So that we know that the person that called was in line because I bammed on the door four times even saying Orlando police. Then I went to the window where the kids beds are. The two beds. Nobody. >> Where are he going? >> I I'll explain to you then you explain to the wife and she can come get him. He says >> I thought you >> Huh? >> It's I >> What's that? >> That's not comfortable. >> Oh yeah. Yeah. Yeah. You got to put your Yeah. I mean they're not They're not going to be comfortable, but they're super loose. You see? >> I saw. >> Yeah. They're not See? Yeah. They're not comfortable, but they're loose. They're not all right. So, I got to search you. Just stand right here for me. Do you have anything in your pocket that poking or sticking? Anything in your pocket? Pockets. Pockets. >> This is my first time. >> Yeah, I know. It's unfortunate. I'll give your wife all the information. Sorry about that, brother. >> In the end, the father was taken into custody for his actions. Up next is the disturbing story of a father who chose a night of partying over the safety of his 8-year-old child. >> Someone found your son. He was just walking around. Um, he came home and there was no one home. >> I'm in trouble. >> No, no, no. Nobody. >> I'm in trouble. Am I in trouble or can I continue taking care of my kids to the best of my ability? >> Due to what happened today, you are going to be arrested for childhood neglect. >> Are you kidding me? >> No. On the 3rd of September 2023, officers were dispatched to a residential street after reports of a young boy crying alone with no adult in sight. When questioned, the child calmly explained what had happened. A story that would soon place his father at the center of the investigation. >> Hey buddy. >> Hi. Where do you live? >> Thank you. >> November. >> Is it unlocked or is it >> is the door open? How did you get outside? The door is open. >> Door's open. Anybody home with you? >> No. >> No. What's your name? >> Trace. >> All right, Trace. What's your dad's name? >> Glade Tilman. >> No. Grade. Like the Everglades, but Glade. >> Oh, I like that. Glade Tilman. Do you know dad's phone number? >> He don't have a phone. >> No phone. >> He lost his phone. >> Okay. Does he What does he drive? What kind of vehicle does he drive? >> A red van. A a red Ram. >> Mhm. Who else do you live with? >> I live with my two sisters. My dad and my mom is in Louisiana. So, >> okay. Where's your sisters? >> Um, my one is at my boyfriend's house. >> Mhm. >> I mean, her boyfriend's house. And then the other one is at her other boyfriend. >> Do you know where their boyfriends are? >> Yeah. >> Do they live close by? They live um one of Yeah, they live in the this park over there. >> Do you know any of those numbers? >> No. >> No. What do What are their names? >> Amanda and Madison. I have my phone, but it's >> Your phone's dead. What kind of phone do you have? >> Android. >> Okay. Do you know where the charger is for it? >> No. Okay. Okay. How old is Amanda? Do you Do you remember? Um 15. >> 15. What about Madison? >> 18. >> Did your dad leave first or did your sisters leave first? >> My sisters left first. >> Okay. Did your dad tell you where he was heading? >> Mm- >> No. Did he say how long he was going to be gone? >> He didn't talk to me. >> He didn't talk to you. He just left. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Do you remember how long ago he left? >> Mm- >> No. Okay. So, what happened? Why'd you come outside? Were you looking for them or >> Yeah. Yeah. Is it this house here? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Are there any phones inside or any chargers inside where we can get your phone charged up and call your sisters? >> Yeah. >> There is. All right. Show me where where's the house? Where's the door? >> The 8-year-old had already told everything to a concerned passer by who stopped to help, even pointing officers to where his father might be found. >> Right, sweetie? You said maybe your dad's at Caribbean. >> You think he's at Caribbean club? >> Yeah. >> Where else does he hang out? He hangs out at his friends. Not at this time of night. >> Not this time of night. He normally is a Caribbean club. >> Yeah. >> And uh you said he has a red Dodge Ram. >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. I'm going to sit in my car here. I'm going to see if I can see if we have any history with your sisters to get a phone number. Okay. That's okay with you. All right, buddy. >> I'm going to go call my sister. >> Are you able to? >> Yeah. >> Hang on. Don't call her yet. I'm coming. Okay. All right. Let me come inside with you. >> Information. going to make phone contact with his sister and she's going to be in route 5 to 10 minute ETA you >> supposedly even picked up >> with your sister >> she probably knows that you normally don't call so she thought it was a good idea to pick up >> shortly after police made contact with one of the boys sisters who was visibly upset and deeply worried about what was unfolding >> hello >> hi are you Madison or Amanda >> I'm Madison >> you're Madison? >> Yes. Were you home with him? >> No, I was at my boyfriend's house. >> How long ago did you leave? >> Uh about a while ago. But what is this all about? Like can >> Yeah. Did I just Did I just speak to you or somebody spoke to me? >> So somebody this lady here found him in the middle of the street. >> What were you doing, Chase? >> I wasn't in the middle of >> Okay, but what were you doing outside at night? >> Crying. >> Why? Why were you crying? Okay. Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. Take it easy on him. Don't be upset with him before you know what happened. >> Be upset with him. It's just like he Why would he go outside the house in the middle of the night? >> Okay, how about we ask other questions? Why was he left alone? >> See, I don't I don't know that. I >> So, don't be upset with him. Dad's here. >> Correct. So, don't be upset with him. >> I'm not He should know better. He knows not to go outside at night. He knows that. >> Okay. Let's wait till we figure out what happened with your dad first. Does he normally have friends house that he goes to around in the neighborhood? Yes, but I don't know where. So, he has like a friend down here this street. Friend at the end of the street. Okay. Do >> you guys normally let him go there? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> But never at night. He has to be home like before dark. >> He That's what he said. Before the street lights come on. >> Yes. >> Okay. If he ever if he doesn't show up, what do you has he ever not shown up before the street lights come on? He always does. >> Yes. >> Now, if you in the case of if he does show up, if he doesn't show up before the street lights come on, what do you guys do? Well, I usually get in my car and I drive around. So, I >> I don't understand. Like, can I call someone like have my I can't call my dad cuz he lost his >> I heard about that. So, we're actually looking for your dad. >> Well, it's not excessive. >> Like, I >> listen, if somebody found him outside, he is how old are you, buddy? >> Eight. >> Eight. Right. >> Yeah. >> And he's like, I live here, but he's like, well, I have nobody home. >> But I don't understand that cuz we had a dinner party tonight. But there's nobody here. >> I know. That's why. >> Do where do you think your dad would have went? >> He could have went to his friend's house. >> There's not that many places my dad goes. >> Do you know where? Cuz we have >> Could I like call my grandma, my uncle? >> Yeah. I mean, that's fine. You can call. We're trying to I know he he said he lost his phone. It fell in the water or something. >> You called me on your phone though. >> No, your dad lost the phone. >> My dad lost his phone. >> So, we can't reach him. So, we know what he drives. So, we're just really just trying to find him to let him know. Hey. Oh, that was before we got to you. Of course, his phone was He went inside. He got a charger. He charged it up. You were the first person he called. He said he wasn't home. >> I'm sorry. I just talked to cops before. >> It's okay. >> We're not here for any other reason than the protection of your brother. >> Yeah, I know. >> Okay. Uh, is this car registered to you or your dad? >> I think my grandma. >> Grandma. Okay. Let me see your license. >> How old are you? >> I'm 18. >> 18. Okay. You're the Okay. You're the big sister. >> Yes. >> Okay. Where's your dad usually hang out at night? Do you think he's like with someone like a He mentioned a girlfriend or something? >> That's that I just called her and she didn't answer and she always answers the phone. So, >> are they early sleepers? >> Uh, I mean, my dad me if sometimes he'll go to sleep early, sometimes he won't. >> When the father finally arrived, his condition immediately raised red flags. He was clearly intoxicated and unsteady, yet insisted that there was nothing wrong. >> That's your father, right? >> Abby. >> Hello. >> Yes, sir. >> Ma'am. Ma'am. Hi. >> Sorry. >> No, you're fine. Can you stand here for me a second? Hi. My name is Deputy F. Can you put this down for a second? >> Yeah. >> All right. My name is Deputy Fur with the sheriff's office. Okay. >> All right. So, someone found your son. He was just walking around. Um, he came home and there was no one home. >> My daughter was home. >> No, there was no one here. >> You called her? >> Okay. When you left the house, where was he? >> He was going going to be home. I went to my friend's house and I thought my daughter was home. She's 18. She's an adult. >> Right. But when you left the house who was here. >> All right. Hang on. Yeah. >> I'm in trouble. >> No. No. No. Nobody. >> I'm in trouble. >> Come here, buddy. >> Because my my daughter's an adult, 18. >> All right. Here. Come this way with me. Uh Lennon. What? >> Landon. Yeah. >> Come on, Lennon. I don't want you to scare your son, okay? I don't want him to think he's in trouble. I don't want him to cry. >> Well, I don't I shouldn't be in trouble. >> No, I said I don't want you to scare your son. I don't want him to think he's in trouble. Right here. Okay. All right. Can you tell me what happened? >> What do you want? >> So, tell me what happened. Who did you leave him with? Where did you go? >> We had a dinner party here. We cooked 12 lobster, shrimp, scallops, pork, everything. Okay. >> And I had to give somebody a ride home. And my daughter was here. I didn't know she left. >> So I went and now I'm coming home. And >> do you know how long you've been gone? >> About 45 minutes. >> Where'd you drop this person off? >> I don't know the address. Miles from 100. >> Okay. It's about a mile away from here. >> Not far. >> No. So, what happened in that 45 minutes? >> I hung out for a little while at my friend's house. >> Okay. >> And my daughter is 18 years old. >> Okay. But she wasn't here is what we're getting at. So, the this car What does this car belong to right here? >> My daughter's car I bought her for last year. >> Okay. Was the car there when you were leaving? >> What do I got to do? >> This is a yes or no question. Was the car there when when you were leaving? >> I I can't I can't swear to that. >> You don't remember? Okay. Okay. So, in the event that you leave, who do you leave in charge? Like, do you say, "Hey, I'm leaving. Keep an eye on him." >> I have two daughters. One's 17, one's 18. My 17year-old daughter had just left. >> Mhm. >> Well, I mean, this what I'm trying to figure out. If you grab any of their attention and say, "Hey, I'm heading out. Keep an eye on on trace for me." I'm just trying to figure out. >> No, I slipped. Who did you >> I'm I'm a single father >> with sole custody of three kids. >> Okay. >> For nine years, but I divorced my wife. >> Okay. >> And I do the best I can do. All my kids have straight A's. She's doing two years of school. She's doing her senior year and her junior year in one year. Okay. >> And getting out. They got jobs. They all got braces. I do the best I can do. I slip. I can't tell. Okay. I'm I'm not going to lie to you and tell you I'm fantastic. >> No, no, you don't have to be fantastic. >> I'm not going I'm not going to tell you I'm fantastic. >> No one's fantastic. And I'm going to be perfect. No one's fantastic. >> But I had all my kids here >> and we just had a big dinner party. We just ate scallops, shrimp, >> everything. >> Your daughter here said she has been gone since about 3 or 4:00. >> Absolutely not. >> Okay. So, she's not telling the truth. The conversation quickly turned tense as he tried to frame himself as a struggling single parent being unfairly targeted. >> Why would she lie to me? >> I don't think she's been gone since that time. And I could be wrong. >> My other daughter just left when I was leaving. It's my bad. What? Am I in trouble or can I continue taking care of my kids to the best of my ability the way I do? >> I'm not discriminating your job as a father, right? >> Yes, ma'am. >> But when you have a minor and you're leaving, you have to leave them in the care of someone. >> Yes, ma'am. >> You have to >> You're absolutely aware. >> I I will not deny that. And I ain't the world's greatest dad, but I'm the best dad these kids have got. They don't have a mom. And I took sole custody of all my kids seven almost eight years ago. They all got braces. They all got college funds. They all got straight A and B. >> And listen, >> and I'm doing the best I can. So, yes, I slipped. I'm sorry. >> Okay. So, you didn't tell anyone that you were >> I did. I'm not going to lie to you. >> I did not. >> And you don't know who was actually here when you left, if there was anyone. >> I didn't know I was going to be gone that long. I thought I was just dropping somebody off. >> One thing led into another. >> Yeah. Okay. >> I'm not going to lie to you, ma'am. >> All right. >> I'm doing the best I can do. >> All right. Just stay here for a second. I'll be right with you. All right. >> As officers stood firm, the situation escalated further. The children forced to watch the confrontation became increasingly distressed. Emotions boiled over when the eldest daughter reacted so strongly that officers had no choice but to restrain her. >> Due to what happened today, you are going to be arrested for a child of neglect. >> Are you kidding me? >> Come on. >> Can you turn around? >> What am I going to do with my kids? >> We're going to go ahead and notify DC here if you do here. >> Ma'am, sir, please. >> Madison, >> you don't want to Here. Turn around. >> Please. Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. Okay. >> Please, please. I've done everything for these kids, man. Everything in the world, everything in the world. Kevin, please >> stop. Please. >> Hey. Hey. Hey. Hey. >> Please. Just relax. >> I'm not I'm not >> You are Stop. Just stay there >> cuz I went to my friend's house real quick. >> Ow. Ow. No. No. Come here. >> Oh my I'm telling you. Oh my god. You have to stop. >> I'm all handsome. >> I went to the store for a minute. >> You just stop. Stop. >> Are you kidding me? Come on. There's nothing we can do. >> There's really nothing we can do. >> I'm a great dad. You're really putting handcuffs on my dog. >> You're arresting my dog. >> Oh my god. >> She doing two years of school in one year. >> Oh my god. We're all fantastic people, man. >> Kevin, >> this one. This one. >> What you doing, >> man? We're fantastic people. We're We're We're really >> All right. Sit down and talk. Sit down and talk. >> We're not bad, babe. Hey, I got I got college for all my kids. Sit down. Three. >> I get that. >> You can't do this to me. Please. Please don't do this to me. >> Put your foot in there. >> I love my kids. Everything right now, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> All right. You're going to sort them out? >> The ride to jail only made things worse. The father continued to argue, claiming he was a great parent and blaming the officers for destroying his life, ignoring the reality that his own actions had brought everything up to this point. >> Mr. Tman, Mr. Tman. >> Yes. >> Okay. Just check. >> The cuffs are too tight. I I got to lay down because the on my wrist. Y'all treat me like a criminal. And I'm really a good dad. I'm really a great dad. All my kids got straight A's. I got my daughters heading to college a year before schedule. They all got braces. I'm a great dad. And and and I slipped. I didn't notice my daughter had left before I left to go get a pack of cigarettes and take a friend home. My kids have won championships in basketball, baseball, everything. I'm a fantastic father. I thought my daughter was home. I didn't know she had left. I went to get a bag of cigarettes and take a friend home and I come back and now I'm a criminal. Now you're going to get me fired from my job because I'm not allowed in Ocean Reef where I'm a crane operator where I make all my money. I work every day in Ocean Reef. Now I got to let me out there. I have an open charge. So you just destroyed a great dad's wholeing life with one little mistake when the dads are out there everywhere and don't give a I ain't got a dollar child support in 8 years. I do it all by myself. So you just crumbled a whole family. You could have just made it easy. But no, no. We got people robbing, stealing, shooting, everything. And you're wasting your time to a good dad's jail. This cup is so tight. It's cutting the circulation to my head. >> And you know what, Mr. Tman? >> I'm a criminal. >> We're We're two minutes out from the jail. No, but really you really got to be so brutal. >> Actually, you don't have no kids. >> Actually, are we talking about me being brutal or we talking about the cuffs? Cuz I'm only commenting on the cuff. >> You saying you're not a mom. >> Oh, all right. >> My daughter's sitting there crying because what are you doing to her dad? Cuz I'm not a bad guy. You're like a treat me like a criminal. Cut soing tight you can't even spit them. >> You did that to yourself. >> Nothing. I did it to myself. >> Correct. You want to argue that? >> Yeah. >> Well, argue with yourself, sir. I was very gentle with you putting those cuffs on. And every time I try to put them on, you turn, you twist it. >> Talking to your camera. I don't give a >> I don't know what camera I'm talking to. I'm talking to you. >> So, let the world think you're a nice person. >> What the world thinks not matter. >> Even then, the pleading didn't stop, but the officer's decision was already final. Turn off. >> Yes, I did. >> For a single dad that takes care of all his kids, college funds, everything. That's what they do. Dad, single dad of three that fought for his kids and went to the store and dropped a friend off real quick. That's like a criminal. Like I'm a criminal. >> All right, listen. I'm >> here. Sit down. That little I'm not resisting. Have a seat. I'm not resisting. I didn't say you were. Sit down. >> I'm not resisting. Have a seat. >> Sit. >> I'm not resisting. >> I got you. Have a seat. >> I'm I'm not a criminal. My kids I love my kids. I do everything for them. >> We all do. >> Why couldn't you just say please be more careful next time. >> I don't know if there's a next time. I don't know if this is the first, second, or third time. Listen, but I'm not here to determine that. All right. Put your foot in. >> Yes, ma'am. I'm telling you, I am a fantastic father and you're destroying my whole career, my job, everything. >> All right, I'm going to pull out. >> In the end, the father was charged with neglect and resisting arrest. His daughter was also charged with obstructing an officer. Micah Smith raised red flags well before he took his children on a dangerous hike without any real concern for their safety. >> Where's your plate? >> It got ripped off the way. I've hiked barefoot. Avalanche area. Avalanche area for miles and miles. You have no right to take my arms. Those are mine. You have yours. I have mine. >> I'm being straight with you, dude. I don't think you're in any condition to be walking around with a gun. Who are you to tell me that? >> On the 4th of October 2025, an officer noticed a vehicle stopped along the shoulder of a busy road. The driver was Micah Smith. At first, the encounter seemed routine, just a welfare check to see if he needed assistance. But that changed almost immediately when the officer noticed the vehicle had no license plate. >> What's up, man? >> Hey, all right. >> Yeah, I'm just trying to find the trailer. >> Okay. Do you have a Where's your plate? >> It got ripped off right away. >> Okay. Do you have any registration or anything ID? >> Not on me now. >> Okay. Anything for the vehicle? Is there anything? I need to check it. Right. >> I need something or something. I'm checking you to make sure you're up there. You pulled over the side of the road. >> Hold on, man. >> Yeah. Um, I'm going to tell you right now. Um, I don't have any. >> Okay. I just stay parked here. >> No. Okay. Feel the [ __ ] up. You don't have the 10 packaging banging. I'm out on a white GMC truck lifted north. >> I need some sort of identification. Know who you are, please? >> Yeah, I want your license. This is an official traffic stop now. I came to check earlier. You've got no plate. You're on the road. The tires are bald. had no wheel handles and now you're refusing to give me information which is weird. >> No, refusing. Um I just So >> So to answer your question, yes, you did break some laws. >> What law? >> You're not a traffic or lic. >> Who are you, sir? >> My name is Michael. >> Michael what? >> Smith. >> I'm not here to ruin you. Not here to ruin your weekend. >> Michael Smith. M I C Ah. >> M I C Ah. >> Okay. to birth, please. So, okay. I'll just Can I just tell you everything like, you know, will you shut the vehicle off for me so I don't have to worry about you driving off? >> Drive off. >> I do have a firearm. >> Okay. Appreciate that. Keep your eyes away from him. I'll keep my eyes off mine. >> Sorry. >> Everyone in Utah does. >> Yeah, everyone does. I just want to >> I appreciate that. >> What followed was unexpected. Without much prompting, Micah began explaining himself, framing the situation as though he was the one being wrong. We're going through a really hard time. Can't even believe my wife's cheating on me. She didn't come home till 7:5. Has three kids. >> But I'm about to go and is it? Or him? >> You're not going to take care of Son? >> I'm going I'm hiking up to the top of the mountain, bro. >> Today? >> Today? >> No, it's snowing up there, right? >> I know. >> I will. >> I look forward to that. >> You going yourself or >> No way, man. No way. >> I'm just making sure these are things that we deal with. >> Yeah. No, I got some snow. Okay. And I'm not here to ruin it for you. >> M. There's nothing I have that's I'm uh I have to do. I'm just >> Yeah, that's my partner. >> I'm joining the Air Force soon. So, >> you have registration insurance on my view. No insurance. No regret. >> Oh, why are you driving, man? >> I'm normally driving my motorcycle, but today it's green. >> Understood for that. >> All right, give me a second. Hang inside. Um, where's your firearm? Don't reach for it. Where? Don't reach for it. Do not Okay, for your safety and mine, I'd like to retrieve it. Got a back, bro. Hold on. I'm not I'm not taking it away from you, but I'm going to have you stand right here while I retrieve it. Okay. >> Okay. Please exit the vehicle. Stand right here. Do not grab for it. >> Hey, Straight. Straight. Listen, man. Right there. >> Just stay right there. Don't move. Any other weapons in the car? No. >> Okay. So, I'm going to have you stand in front of my car till we figure this out. We >> got Hey, man. We got apps. >> So, all things that we would have to be worried about, right, >> for on a normal stop for safety. >> I wasn't expecting wasn't expecting either. I was stopping to help cuz you're over here on the side of the road like your friend. Same with the ribbon that I stopped behind. >> But then when I came over and saw you, I'm like, I'll check on him, see if it needs help. That's why we got to this. So, give me a second. >> From the onset, Micah was confrontational. Rather than answering basic questions, he pushed back, speaking as though everyone else was responsible for the situation. Never him. That posture didn't soften as the interaction continued. >> Are you the registered owner of it? >> I am kind of >> honestly I was just going to hide a lot of personal things and now this is it's like it's now 10 times worse. What's going on? What's going on? personal. >> Yes, >> my marriage is ending in 13 years. >> Oh, that sucks. I'm sorry, dude. >> Worse than you can imagine. >> You got somebody to talk to? >> I got staying with my brother right now. >> Okay. I'm going to ask you a serious question. >> You want to hurt yourself? >> I don't want to hurt myself. I want to hike so I can't hike no more, though. I want to get to the top. You going to do that on a rainy day like this? It's >> the best time to do it. >> It's dangerous. It's windy if you're not skilled. Muddy, slippery. >> I'm a ninja, brother. >> You're a ninja? >> I'm a ninja. >> I don't know. >> I don't know. >> Maybe you are a ninja. >> But I don't I don't know that that's the best thing to be doing today. >> But I've been wanting to go on this hike for 5 years. >> Where are you going to go hike? I won't be >> I need I need the mental clarity. I need to I need to go up. >> How would you say or what would you say if I said I was concerned about you though? >> Thank you, brother. I appreciate that. >> And I would rather you not do that today. >> I'd say well my brother Jeremiah said the same thing. >> First thing I'll do is get in my truck and drive there. If I feel like hiking, then I'll see how far I hike. If I get to the top, I get to the top. >> Today, you're not getting to the top. I'm telling you with the weather, you don't have the gear in the truck for it. >> You might be a badass. But >> I'll tell you what, I've hiked barefoot avalanche area. Avalanche area for miles and miles of nothing but my dog. All right. So, what's what's going to happen here? >> We got we got several issues. >> Okay. Not insured, but she told me, no plate. You've also got your tires are bald. That's not going to help with the snow up there. They've been having problems with the snow at the top of the mountain. Okay. >> You don't have the wheel flares for that, which is a safety issue for other people on the road. >> Okay. >> You got several things going on. >> So, how how can we make this go up? >> Hey, you can't have this thing on the road. So, give me a second. Hang out with my partner. All right. I'm going to chat with him real quick. Hey, Mario. There's two guns and an axe from the vehicle. Okay, he's he's not going to be inside the vehicle right now. >> Even as officers tried to assist, Mike's defensive attitude raised concerns. He claimed he was heading out to hike following a recent divorce, a detail that only deepened suspicion given his behavior and emotional state. Nothing about the situation felt settled or coherent for that matter. >> Why do we want to hurt me? >> We don't want to hurt you. >> Hold on. What can we do? >> Give me a second. All right. I'm not here to rode. So, I'm going to preface all of this with if at any time you cause any problems, you're going to meet my dog, Mike, and you got three of us. >> We don't want this to go this way. You want to go to the Air Force. >> Yes, I do. >> You want to stay off all this stuff. >> Yeah. >> We're not here to ruin that. However, >> you don't have insurance, registration, or license. >> Your car is getting >> But when you found me, I wasn't driving. >> You were on the road, sir. >> Right there. >> I'm not going to argue this with you. You can >> This is what court is for. If and if you feel it's unjust, you can certainly explain this to a court. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> We're not going to have this on the roadside or at least I'm not going to participate at all. I'm not trying to ruin you, but I have a job to do. >> So, you're going to leave me on the side of the street. >> We'll happily get you somewhere if we need to. We can try to help. >> All right. But your car is being impounded. >> You're impounding my truck. >> All right. You got money in there. Happy to grab that in your wallet. >> For our safety and yours, we're not going to have you go back in there just because you have an axe, an AR, your handgun. >> Got all my tools in there. I need >> So, >> this is How much is it going to be to get it out of impound? What how's that What's that going to take? >> You're going to have to get your license and insurance and registration fixed. >> You said you weren't going to ruin it. That ruins me, >> brother. I'm self-employed. I know, but that's beside This is worse almost. This is almost worse. >> I don't know why you had to help me, but this I was minding my own business. >> I'm going to try to hurry and facilitate this. >> All right. >> For your safety, please stay out of the vehicle. Do you have a jacket in there, though? >> I do. I do. >> May I get that for you? >> Can I get my phone? Can I get all my stuff? >> I will grab your stuff for you or one of us will help you do that. You are not going back here. >> I would like my weapons. >> So, you're going to take my weapons? Honey, you just told me that. Okay. Again, for your safety, >> you have no right to take my arms. Those are mine. You have yours. I have mine. >> You're not taking my guns. >> And you're going hiking after divorce. >> Well, now I'm not going hiking. Now I have to get home. >> I'm going to let you handle this. >> As the conversation went on, officers struggled to make any sense of Micah's account. His explanations shifted. His reactions didn't align with the circumstances, and the overall situation felt increasingly unstable. >> I'm being straight with you, dude. I don't think you're in any condition to be walking around with a gun. >> Who are you to tell me that? I'm not I don't think you are. >> I don't think you have any right to take my guns if I haven't broken any. >> And you're right. You're right. If you're absolutely adamant, you're going to have your guns. >> But I would rather not give you the guns and have you hurt your >> I'm not I promise you to God, my children, I am not going to hurt you. I run. >> I'm not going to hurt you. >> You have somebody that can come and get you. Yes, I do. I can call many people to come get me. >> Who Who can you call to come and get you? >> I can call my brother. >> Is he close? >> No. Where's >> That's close. Okay. So, you want a jacket and your phone? >> I want my backpack. >> Let's Let's start with your jacket and your phone for right now. >> You We're going to get everything out of your car, but first and foremost, let's find some place. Well, let's get you in a warm or a jacket so you stay warm and a phone call so you can get somebody to come in to get you >> and the rest of the stuff you get will >> Yeah, we'll get you your stuff. I got no problem giving you your stuff. I just want to make sure that you're safe and you're warm and we got someplace comfortable for you to be. >> This isn't right, man. >> Sorry. >> It's literally written in the law that we have to tow it if there's no insurance. It's on the road. But it's literally the law. We don't have choice. >> I don't understand the laws and may and you I'm sure I hope you >> I hope you do. I would >> but I don't see how you can stop me and identify me if I haven't committed a crime. There's no reasonable articulation of a crime or a a you know it is a violation of the law for the car to be on the road without insurance and without registration. >> You wouldn't have known that. It's on the road. >> I know, but you wouldn't have known that. >> But it's on the road, right? Was the car on the road when he when he approached you? >> It was right here. >> Yeah, right where it's at. Right. It's on the road. So, I'm going to get your jacket and your phone. Okay. Eventually, officers decided it would be safer for Micah to be picked up rather than continue on his own. They believed he wasn't in a condition to make sound decisions. That assessment would prove accurate. >> So, he's got the weapons. >> We'll give them to you once your friend gets here. >> Can I start removing my things? >> Uh, you want to take it out before he gets here to move it twice or you want to wait for him to get here? >> Um, he'll be here pretty quick, man. >> I don't care. It's up to you. Is that everything? >> Sorry, man. So, soon as he's up, we'll load the guns in the in the truck somewhere. just with any of these workers. I I can't tell you not to give him to him, but we got to be safe and smart about it. I don't think he's in a good mental state. And he may be calm down, but we're not trying to ruin him. I promise. I really have a choice. I don't have a choice on the truck. Has no choice. Okay, thank you guys. >> We got a couple things we got to finish up work. Let's go do that out of the room. If you want to get in his truck. >> Yeah, this one. >> No, no, you're his. Don't Don't open my door. >> Mike, he'll go nuts on you. You don't look the type that's afraid of dogs, but I don't mind dogs. No, no, no point in messing with this one if you don't have to. >> Yeah, I'm trying to keep this out of the rain. So, as soon as we get in here, >> the encounter ended without immediate consequences. But days later, on October the 11th, 2025, the situation took a far more serious turn. Micah took his children on a dangerous hike just as severe weather was moving in. They became stranded and were rescued the following day. One child remained hospitalized. In the aftermath, Micah Smith was charged with abuse. Like the father who refused to accept any responsibility for harming his own son. Annie McCauley hid behind a facade of innocence until the evidence made denial impossible. >> Any word? >> You mind if we take a look in her bedroom? >> No. No. No. didn't want to come home. >> What if I told you her last text to her boyfriend were saying, "Don't talk because she still has to FaceTime." Andy's in here. >> Does she hate you? >> No, she'll hate me. She loves me. >> On the 9th of May 2019, officers arrived at a residence after a woman reported her daughter, Riley Crossman, missing. They were met by the caller Chantel along with her boyfriend Andy McCauley. Both initially presenting themselves as confused and concerned. That calm facade soon began to crack as unsettling details surfaced. >> What's going on, man? >> Haven't seen you in a long time. >> It's been a while. >> Any word? >> You mind if we take a look in her bedroom? >> Has she ever disappeared before? She didn't leave without she doesn't not text me when I text her. This is the only mirror we have like this. So, I came in yesterday morning and I don't remember that being there and especially her glasses cuz I this is not exactly the way it was. I've been in here digging and looking to see if there was a note or anything like that. A search of Riley's bedroom revealed something deeply disturbing. Her personal belongings were untouched, but her bed was covered in blood stains. Almost immediately, police began focusing on Andy, a potential suspect hiding in plain sight. >> [ __ ] you tomorrow here last night. probably the night before anything. Any reason she would leave? >> No. >> Okay. >> There's a rumor going around people telling us that she was afraid to come home. I don't know if that's how people go, >> but that was nothing like that. >> Okay. So, she she wouldn't have to be her. I mean, there like that, but never like that. >> Nothing. >> Nothing. >> Her mom was even home, >> right? >> She was to work. >> No, you you they said she got an argument with you and didn't want to come home. She was she was her grand You can ask her grandma. She was here doing dishes and and everything. Grandma's here till 7:30. >> Okay. >> Debbie, >> right? >> Yeah. >> When's the last time you you saw her? >> Um like 9 10ish >> at night. >> Yeah. >> And And what And what contacts was that? >> Oh, she was here in the house. She went to bed probably Well, I don't know what time she went to bed, but she was all the kids were in the room by like 9:30. 9 9:30. Did she ever leave in the morning? >> No, I left 4. I have morning. That's five. Okay, go to work. >> Further investigation continued to raise more red flags. Andy had told officers he was an early riser, yet co-workers contradicted his account of the morning Riley vanished, exposing inconsistencies in his timeline. While suspicious, Andy wasn't the only person under scrutiny. Investigators also turned to Riley's boyfriend, Hayden Lacy, who had deleted all of his messages with her from the night before she disappeared. >> Can you just um tell us when you were last facetiming? I was actually talking to her about the TC trip, what that was going on. >> And do you know exactly what time >> 10:30ish told him before not to delete his messages, but he is in deleting everything. >> What do you know about her mom, her mom's lifestyle or with their relationship? >> I don't really feel much. >> I feel like she just isn't a responsible person. >> She'll just let her do whatever she wants. They had a dance and she was wearing this short dress. She let her walk to the school by herself in this short dress. It's at night. Riley had way too much room. >> As detectives dug deeper, they uncovered text messages between Riley and Hayden, revealing that Andy had been in her room and that Riley was terrified. From that moment on, suspicion centered squarely on Andy. >> I just talked to Johnny, right? Saw him leaving. >> Would you be surprised if you told me something completely different? >> Uh, maybe. >> Do you not remember leaving that job saying to Red Hill? Oh, yeah. Oh, I'm sorry. We did go to It did. I'm sorry. We did. You're right. >> Okay. You're right. We did go and did a shell. How How long were you there, Red? >> Like the rest of the day? >> Okay. The rest of the day. Okay. Were you at that house the entire time fixing the shelves? >> No. Okay. Where were you at? >> I was at We I was at the other house. Okay. >> I went You got some We went You got some I went got some more. What if I told you that I know you weren't that snow and you didn't buy off anybody that day? See where I'm getting at? You went from this story to this story. Now I got a third story. This is one of these times you really need to think of what you're telling me, okay? Cuz you're not being honest. Remember when I told you about being honest and I'm not going to just throw at you. I know you weren't there. I know you didn't buy off your cousin. And I know you didn't use him in that parking lot that day. Where did you go when you left? >> Went to my house. You >> okay? >> I already went to my house. >> Okay. Okay. >> I already told you until I tell you how it happened in my house. >> So, you go back home, you use your and then you go back to work and then what? >> I'm just telling you the whole part about you being honest. >> I'm being honest with you. I've been honest with you. I told you I didn't want to tell you. >> Okay. >> You're being somewhat honest. I mean, we're doing some pulling to get some information about some activity, which is us. I don't even give two about. But yet, we're having trouble pulling that out of you >> because I was worried about you not there. >> Okay. And I and I told you I don't care about that. >> You told us about activity with two nights ago. >> Did I arrest you for your name or anything? >> Investigators shifted tactics, pretending to ease up on Andy while quietly confronting him with mounting evidence. Under pressure, his story began to unravel. >> Um, you know, the further along this is, whatever happens, and whoever did this to her, the worse off it gets for that person, too. >> Yes. Hope so. >> She was probably taken out of that house by somebody. >> Yeah. I feel I feel something that she was taken that way. I feel because she would be on by now. She reminded >> she was taken from that house is what I'm saying. She didn't she didn't wander off. She didn't pack the bag and take her clothes, take her glasses, take a cell phone charger, take all her money. She had most of her money. Um someone's going to go back. >> Yeah. Um so like I said, if someone's going to run away or do something, they're going to make a little bit of better effort. Um even for a 15year-old, >> I agree. for a 15-year-old kid, they're going to at least have the necessities. >> What if I told you her last text to her boyfriend were saying don't talk because she still has to FaceTime one. Andy's in here. I'm afraid that's what it said. >> What if I told you that? >> I would say that's crazy. >> I can put my hand on the Bible and tell you I saw those texts today. >> Well, I like to see him cuz I know the problem. He scared of me. I know she's >> not with that. She said you were in here and she was in her bedroom because the FaceTime was stolen. >> I was never in her room. >> That's not what she's saying. >> I don't go in her room, >> Andy. I'm not lying to you. >> I was not in her room for one and for two, the kid's not scared of her. There's no reason for her to be scared of me. I've been there for inter what we're saying. Like I get that. I hear you. But what we're saying is that's what she's saying. to obvious obviously to her he's afraid of something. There's no way. There's no way you can ask your mother. Your mother will tell you that it's not true. There's no >> I'm telling you I read that with my own eyes today. >> I don't know. I know. >> So, you see where that puts us? >> Yeah, I understand. But I The kid's not scared of me. I don't understand how you guys can say that that she's not. >> That's what she is saying. She's saying that's why we're saying that. We don't know what goes on behind closed doors when you know you and Chantel are there or Chantel and Riley are there or we don't know. Okay. But obviously in her mind she's afraid of you. >> Would you agree? It doesn't make sense. >> Doesn't make sense at all. >> So does she have any reason to say that? >> No. Why would she say that? >> Oh no. >> Is she beenful toward you? Does she hate you? >> No. She don't hate me. She loves me. >> So I'm asking you. I don't know that. Does she argue with you? >> No. Ever. We have >> She never cusss at you, curse you out. Nothing. >> Never. Nothing >> in a year and a half. Nothing. >> Okay. So, it sounds like to me she does love you so hardly. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, why would she say that then? >> I don't know. A year and a half, we have not had one conflict. >> Okay. >> Me and the boy. Yeah, we have. >> Okay. But there's never been anything like you said, a year and a half or the last several weeks, several months, several days, nothing. That's you like, "Oh, yeah. I read about it one time. She wanted this. I told her no. Maybe she got mad. She's nothing." >> Even as the evidence stacked up, Andy continued to insist on his innocence. But science and surveillance told a different story. >> But you see where that puts us, right? >> Yeah. I understand. I understand you guys are if I'm mad that you guys are doing your job. >> I mean, that's the last message he has from her. >> I'm glad you guys are doing your job. I know you doing your job, but there's nothing I can think of. >> He wants to do her job. That's that's what we're doing. >> I'm asking the job. I'm not mad. You guys don't know. Guys, I think a little pissed off, but nothing. There's nothing that I can think of. Oh, she would be mad at me for or she would be upset of me or a scared of me or anything with me. Can I go in that room? >> Lab results confirmed the blood on Riley's bed was a direct match to Andy's DNA, and video footage placed his vehicle at key locations. These discoveries ultimately led police to Riley's remains. In the end, Andy McCauley was charged with and sentenced to two life terms in prison.