Please, I'm not letting go of my child. >> We're going to have to take you to jail, okay? So, you are under arrest right now. >> Then I have to leave my kids, please. >> On one side is the law, on the other a mother's love, and sometimes letting go isn't a choice. >> So, if you are going to take them, I will go. >> No, don't take it. >> We're going to have to >> Can you please try to reach my mom? >> And in the end, the one who remains carrying everything that has happened is the child who never had the power to choose. Anger is not a free pass to hurt others. >> There was road rage and I shot the girl in the face. >> No, there's too much blood. I'm going to like pass out. >> On May 1st, 2022, a frantic 911 call was made after a mother with her child in the car engaged in dangerous behavior on a highway during a moment of anger, leaving a teenager seriously injured. >> 411, what's the address of your emergency? >> Hey, no, hold your but hey, uh we were driving and this uh this lady shot. >> She didn't know where you are. >> Oh, sorry, ma'am. She uh my best friend is shot. >> What about seven miles from here? >> No, straight ahead. >> Is it possible to be saying else? >> Really, I >> Yeah, for what it is. >> They stopped her? >> Just I don't know. >> No, they got the >> No, they got the hospital here. >> She didn't calm down yet, right? >> She pulled into an address on Independence Road. >> Pulled into an address on Independence Road. >> According to the fragmented accounts of the victim's friends, the car behind them was following extremely closely. The woman was reportedly shouting inappropriate remarks and making provocative gestures. Shortly after, she pointed an unidentified object in their direction, causing growing concern among everyone in the vehicle. >> So, I've got them going down 7th Ave right now on the left side. >> Hey, clear. >> Look in the back of my car. There's a girl. >> Are you all right? Are you okay? >> No, there's too much I'm going to like pass out. >> Can you tell me what happened? >> I don't know. I think like >> Hey, can you tell me what happened? >> We were driving. And we we were driving like this lady we had we had pulled out in front of her cuz it was another car. And like and we were trying to like slow down and then we ended up going over here and like kept driving and then the lady got mad. She ended up >> So it was a lady? >> It was a lady. She had two kids in the car. >> Black lady, white lady? >> She looked kind of mixed. >> Okay. >> And then she she was pointing a gun at us and we were just like we were telling her we were trying >> I know you're very flustered, right? Well, you got to help us out, okay? You want to take a seat, honey? What happened? She's going to be okay. We got her, okay? Do you remember what happened? >> We were going down the road and this lady she had her two kids in the car and she got mad and then she flicked us off and then we kept going she was pointing a gun at us and we kept going like we were not stopping. >> Yeah, I like what you >> And then she was like we was like calm down, lady. Let your window down telling her calm down. She went over and then she just starts >> Are we all still on the interstate? >> Yes. >> Okay, do you remember about where on the interstate y'all were? Do you have to take Are you familiar with the interstate out here? You're good. You're good. It's okay. It's okay. It's okay. It's okay, honey. Okay. It's okay. Calm down, okay? I don't need you passing out for me, okay? You got any ID with you? >> We were going down the interstate and this lady this lady flicked us off and then she starts cussing. Uh the one it's a race track off of Truman. It's right here by the >> Fairburn Road? >> Fairburn Road. >> You got your ID with you there? >> No. >> Cuz I just want >> I need you >> what's your first name? >> Isaiah. >> Gates is your last name, okay. >> This short clip, recorded by a witness and later provided to the police, captures the moment the two vehicles were driving side-by-side on the road. Based on the driver's detailed statement, investigators were able to form a clearer overall picture. Notably, he identified the point where the two vehicles were traveling parallel on the highway, suggesting the incident unfolded over a period of time rather than in a brief moment. >> Yeah, real quick. Did you get his 27 yet? You got your ID with you? What's your first name? >> Alain. >> You said Alain? >> Yes, sir. A L A I N. >> A L A I N, okay. What's your last name? >> Marcos, M A R C O S. >> M A R C O S? >> Yes, sir. >> What's your birthday? What's your phone number? Uh-huh. Okay. >> Hey, so was it a sedan or an SUV? >> Uh no, it was a sedan. >> It was a sedan, okay. Four-door? >> Yes, sir. >> You were driving? >> Four-door sedan. >> What happened? >> Man, >> You going to You going to I just so you know, I'm going to let you get your stuff. >> how it happened. I'll tell you exactly how it happened. So, we we come we come from Carrollton, right? We just going to a baby shower. And I'm going on >> going back towards Carrollton? >> Uh >> Or were y'all going towards Atlanta? >> Towards Atlanta. >> Okay, so you're going down Lithia Springs Road. Okay. >> And so, I'm driving, right? And she cut she kind of cut me off, and you know, I ain't doing nothing about it, but I I had a chance to go. I want I need to go left, so I went left, right? And she followed me. And out of Si- Si- Since then, since we got to the highway, all the way in the highway, she was just [ __ ] worried about to real out. She was just worried to get in front of us, and we were with like what the [ __ ] And then she >> Was she on the passenger side or driver side when you saw her? Was she on >> was just her. She was in the driver She was like this. >> no. Was she on your side? The passenger side or >> She was on this side. >> Okay. Where were y'all at on the interstate? You remember? >> Uh I showed him I'll show you exactly where she >> I'll show you the top of the >> She showed us exactly like we were leaving the exit. She was telling us to pull over pull over there. >> Do you remember which lane y'all were in? >> Um This is the highway, right? >> Yep. >> That's the only way I would know. So >> Right here. Right here she was going like right here. >> So y'all were coming up on the exit? >> Yeah, yeah. Here she was going to turn to exit. No, I was going straight. She was going to the exit. >> Okay. So okay. Which lane were y'all in? >> We were in the first. >> So closest to the interstate >> Second. Second. We were in the second. Right in the middle. >> Yeah, right in the middle. >> Okay. All right. Okay. Awesome. >> At this stage, the sequence of events had largely been established and the victim's condition was confirmed. However, the suspect's identity remained unknown. Through media outreach, police received numerous tips, most of which pointed in the same direction. >> Douglas County 911, what's your address of your emergency? >> Um hi. It's not an emergency. I just got um sent here because um there was a post on Facebook about a reward for a girl who was She had road rage. She was shooting people in the car and they were saying um you know, if you knew of her to um call. I called the number, but I didn't get um an answer from that number that I called, so I called here. >> Well, I called the this other number >> is? >> Yes, but I would um I just wanted to um say I would like to say um remain um >> Do you know where she stays? >> I don't, but my friend she's been to her house before cuz like I said, I knew I know her through through some of my friends or whatever, but she lives in Douglasville. >> As officers followed up on the leads, they were initially unable to locate the suspect. Unexpectedly, the woman later came forward on her own, but denied any involvement. >> You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to talk to a lawyer and have him or her present with you while you're being questioned. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, one would be appointed to represent you before any question if you wish. You can decide at any time to exercise these rights and not answer any questions or make any statements. Do you understand that? Um so, what brings you here today? >> Um people started sending me pictures of me in a car and saying that I someone. Um and they're saying that I was in Carol Stream which I wasn't Carol Stream today. Um I did come home around, I'll say, 3:00, 3:30, 4:00, somewhere around in between 3:00 and 4:00. I did come down 20. I got off Chapel Hill where they're saying that I got off on. I went to the nail shop. I got my toes done. I went home and I came home and I went back to the bank to pay a bill. And I just I don't know what's going on. I don't know. >> Well, the the photo they they got some photos of you pointing a gun at you shooting into a truck. >> You see, I don't even have my gun anymore. >> Then how did the girl get shot in the face? >> I honestly I don't have a gun. I had a and I gave it away. I gave it to somebody, which I should have did the right way. I should have did a bill of sale. What happened my ex stole it from me. I got back with him. He gave it back to me. And then I just got rid of it because he spooked me with that cuz I've never gotten in any trouble. I don't I don't have I don't do any of that. >> how can you honestly explain that you've got your own There's photos of you pointing a gun There's fired. A girl is shot face. I would have had a road rage with you. >> I'm just saying that but I don't even understand the road rage. I didn't have road rage with with anybody. >> Okay. As officers followed up on the leads, they were initially unable to locate the suspect. Unexpectedly, the woman later came forward on her own, but denied any involvement. I find it hard to believe that four young teenagers would collaborate a story against somebody that had no clue who you are and then injure themselves just to get someone in trouble. Makes no sense. >> I understand it doesn't. I know I didn't shoot anybody. That's I >> Brittany. >> I didn't. I don't have a gun anymore. >> You had a gun today. You may not have it anymore, but you had it today. There's There's a girl who shot in the face. We have photos of you pointing a gun at them. >> I understand that. >> So, how can you sit here and say that's not you pointing a gun at them? >> Apparently, there's no other way to It looks like me. Like I told my mom, it looks like me. It 100% looks like I'm going down for it. So, I mean >> Then to be honest, I mean, you sitting here and lying about it is going to make it a little spot worse for you. And I promise you that. >> I'm telling you I was in Carrollton. I did come down 20. I did get off on Chapel Hill, but I didn't shoot anybody. >> Brittany. I I don't understand the play ignorance when you've got photos of you. Photos of you pointing a gun You went on your Facebook page and you took down the photo of you with a arm or the green bracelet on your on your left arm. You took them down cuz I'd already been on your page. >> I understand that because there was a picture >> Right. So, why don't why don't you just take your whole page down? >> Cuz I was panicking. Like I've never been in trouble. I don't >> You got arrested before? >> When I was way way way way way younger. >> Right. Down in your town? Bibb County? >> Never. >> Never down there? >> Never. I've never been arrested since I was in middle school. I haven't been arrested since middle school, high school. >> It may be somebody else's stuff they sent me. So, do you even care what the condition is of the girl that you she >> do. >> I a lot. That's why I came up here and turned myself in. I'm not the type of person to hurt anybody. I would never >> But until today. >> No. >> After repeated questioning, the suspect gradually admitted to causing serious injury to the victim during a road conflict, though she continued attempting to downplay her level of responsibility. >> You know you're not going to tell me the truth? >> I am telling you the truth. >> No, you're not. Because I have the evidence to show that you're not telling me the truth. >> Okay, well, I'll I'll say what you want me to say. Then we had road rage. I shot at a girl. I didn't mean to shoot the girl. >> That's not what I said I wanted you to say. I wanted you to say the truth. And there's no reason you would have said that just then had it not been the truth. There's no way I'd be sitting in a chair in a police department sitting there telling me what you just just acting like you wanted to what somebody you want them to say. >> It's not looking good for me any anyway. >> It's not looking good for you because you're up here right now. We would have found you one way or the other. It was smart for you to come up here. But to actually sit here and deny the situation that had to happen today that we we know what happened. I just want you to be honest, but you obviously you're not going to be honest with me. >> There was road rage and I shot a girl in the face. >> Are you telling me that because that's what happened or are you telling me that just because you act like I want you to tell me that? I want you to tell me the truth. >> I'm telling you that because that's what it looks like I did and I'm going to go down for a long time. >> I want you to tell me the truth. I do not want you to sit here and say that somebody's forcing you to say something when no one is. I've never forced you to say anything. >> You haven't. And I'm telling you this, I'm I'm mean looking at somebody's I've never been in trouble. I've looked at stuff like this before. It doesn't look good for me. There's a picture of me. So, I road rage and I shot somebody. >> Is that what you did? >> I mean, that's what it looks like I did. >> That's what the crime we're investigating. I'm asking you, is that what you did? >> I didn't do anything to anybody. >> You're going to sit here and lie to me and tell me that nothing happened. >> I said there was road rage and I shot the girl in the face. >> Why did you shoot her in the face? >> Because it's road rage and she was They were cutting me off and stuff like that. >> She was in the passenger seat. How was she cutting you off? >> The driver was cutting me off. >> Did it deserve to shoot someone? >> No. Not at all. >> Not at all. We don't just go around shooting someone cuz we're unhappy. If you don't like what's going on, you back off and you call 911. And guess what was going to happen? We're going to be sitting there waiting on them on the interstate when they get to a certain point and then we're going to pull whoever over and we're going to investigate and find out what happened. You get it? So, what did you do with the >> I don't know where I put it. >> What did I I understand what you did with it? >> I threw it away. >> Where did you throw it? >> In the woods. >> Where? >> This place. The Chattahoochee, over there by Six Flags. >> You threw it in the Chattahoochee River? >> Like over there, the thing. So, when you pass Six Flags, the water. >> So, when did you do that? >> Um Um I don't know the time, but probably like 6:00, 7:00. >> After you got your nails done? Or did you even go get your nails done? >> I didn't get my nails done. I got my toes done actually at the nail shop. >> So, you felt good about it to go get off the interstate and get your nails done after what just happened? >> Mhm, cuz I didn't know I shot anybody, honestly. >> So, after you got your nails done, you got on 20 Eastbound and threw whatever into the river? >> Yes. >> What did you have? What did you throw into the river? >> I guess my .380 that I That's in my name. >> Do you know what kind of .380 it was? >> It's a Smith & Wesson. >> Smith & Wesson .380? >> The suspect ultimately faced multiple charges, including four counts of aggravated assault, three counts of cruelty to children, aggravated battery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and tampering with evidence. A minor incident can escalate into a serious tragedy when emotions take control. Don't let a moment of anger turn you from a driver into either a suspect or a victim. The situation continues to escalate, raising questions about a form of maternal attachment shaped more by perception than reality. >> No, you guys, just cuz you have badges doesn't mean you're a police officer. >> I'm not letting go OF MY KIDS. >> STOP. >> NO! NO! HELP ME! >> ON JULY 30TH, 2023, police received a report about a woman showing signs of being out of control while in the presence of two children who were not in her custody, concerned that she was not in a condition to care for them. Officers responded immediately. >> What's wrong with them? >> They They feel fine to me, and the medics, who are medical specialists. >> to you? You haven't even touched them. >> Okay, so how should they feel? >> Boy, you okay? If you're a a normal police officer, then you can take us to the to the hospital. >> I'm a normal police officer, those are normal medics, we are all real. >> I don't believe it. I don't believe it. >> I don't believe it's true. >> I don't believe it. Take us to the hospital, you can go with me to make sure my kids are okay. This doesn't make any sense why you're you're not taking them to the hospital. >> Your perception is altered. You're in a paranoid state. >> No, it's not. I want you guys to take us to the hospital. Sweetie. You're okay, babe. No, you're not okay, baby. No, you're not okay, babe. You're okay, sweetie. Help! >> I understand you're worried about your kids. I know. >> Why won't they take us to the hospital? It doesn't make sense why we're waiting for my mom. Why are we waiting for my mom to take them to the hospital? >> Because these kids are not in your custody. In fact, they're the opposite of that. >> doesn't matter if they're in my custody or not. It doesn't matter the fact that I'm telling them to take them to the hospital and they're not taking them to the hospital. I need to go to the hospital. >> You'll be going to the hospital. >> I know. We all need to go to the hospital. So, why can't they take us? >> They're not going to Grandma can decide Grandma can decide who has custody of the children if they can go to the hospital. Right now? >> Yeah. >> All right. >> You can check anything with me sitting right here with my kids. I'm not letting my kids go. >> Is Britney? >> Yes. >> All right, we >> I'm not resisting nothing. >> Britney, due to the suspect's persistent resistance, officers were forced to intervene physically after she repeatedly claimed they were not real police and tried to hold on to the children, further escalating the situation. >> I need you to stand up quickly. >> No, normal police officers would not do this. >> I got to put your hands up. >> They would not do this. No. No, you guys would not do this. >> Britney, you need to stand up for us. >> Normal police, don't do this. Please. No, you guys know. No, please. I'm telling you. You said I could stay with them until my mom gets here. >> We have someone going to your mom's house. We need to We need to get you over to the hospital. >> Okay, with my kids. With my kids. >> Come on, stand up for us. >> leaving my kids. Please. Please. >> Britney, stand up. Put your hands behind your back. Come on, Britney, let's make this easy. >> How do I know you're a real police officer? >> I got a badge. >> That doesn't mean anything. >> What's your name? >> It doesn't mean anything. >> You are lawfully under arrest. >> No, you guys, just cuz you have badges doesn't mean you're A POLICE OFFICER. NO, YOU DON'T. PLEASE. PLEASE, I'm not letting go of my kids. >> STOP. STOP. >> STOP, I'M NOT RESISTING. I'M NOT RESISTING. YOU'RE NOT A REAL POLICE. >> You're hurting the kid. Let go of the kid. >> I can't let go of my kid. >> It's okay, buddy. >> Please let go of my kid. >> Your hands behind your back. Your hands BEHIND YOUR BACK. >> YOU CAN'T EVEN SHOW ME A BADGE. >> YOU'RE UNDER ARREST. >> NO. NO. HELP ME. HELP ME. HELP ME. HELP ME, THEY'RE NOT REAL POLICE. Please help me. Please help me. You know how to get in a vehicle ME A BADGE. THEY WON'T READ me my rights. >> Hey guys, mommy needs help. >> NO. LET GO OF MY BABY. >> YOU GUYS. >> Let go of my baby. >> Stay on the ground. >> Okay. Please call me an a- >> We are done. >> Follow me, they won't show me. Let out. Ow, you're hurting me. >> Well, then stop kicking around. >> Okay. >> You lay there and stop moving around. >> I will. You got no, you got DON'T LET THEM TAKE MY KIDS. THEY'RE NOT REAL COPS. PLEASE. PLEASE. You guys haven't even read me my rights. Seriously. All they have is these fake badges. >> STOP MOVING AROUND. >> HELP ME. >> I HAVE TOLD YOU don't do that. >> Okay. >> Even after being restrained, the woman continued calling for help and asked to be taken to a hospital, while also admitting to using an unknown substance. Her prolonged distress required officers to maintain control until she was fully subdued. >> We're not playing games. >> Please, I can't breathe. >> Do not scratch. >> Please, I can't breathe. >> I'm going to roll you over and you're not going to do this again. >> And I don't know where you guys are taking my kids. >> Stay right there. >> But this is not right. Please call 911. >> We are 911. >> No, you're not. >> Your car Y'all's car, your >> you're not. Why didn't you read me my rights? >> I don't have to. >> Yes, you do. >> You called us your parents. >> I'm not. How do I have to leave my kids? That's not right. >> Well, whatever. >> That's not right that I have to leave my kids. Please. Why? Who is this? You guys I'm not leaving my kids. Please. Please, I don't want TO LEAVE MY KIDS. STOP. YOU'RE NOT REAL. You're not real. >> Stand by. >> You're not real. Please prove to me that you're real before you TAKE MY KIDS. PLEASE. PLEASE. PLEASE. >> All >> All right, get in the car. Hold on. >> Please don't let them hurt me. Please. >> Come on. Stand up. >> My grandma told me >> Get in the car. >> They're magic. They're nothing. No. See, you didn't even prove it to me. I KNOW Y'ALL ARE NOT REAL POLICE. THEY DIDN'T EVEN PROVE it to ME THAT THEY'RE POLICE. PLEASE. Help me. Help me. Stop. You guys are not allowed to do this. >> All right, we're going to have to carry you to the car. >> man. Please. THEY'RE NOT REAL POLICE. >> PUT HER LEGS IN. I'LL PULL HER IN. >> YEP. >> Y'all couldn't even show me your badges. Why are you taking me away from my kids? Normal police officers don't do this. >> All right, hang on. LET ME GET MY SHOES. >> PLEASE. NO, please don't shock me. Please. >> No. Stop. >> While being placed in the vehicle, she remained in a distressed and disoriented state, repeatedly asking about the children and expressing fear of being separated from them before the incident concluded with multiple serious charges. >> I'm sorry, you guys know I'm on mushrooms. Please, I don't want to die. I don't want to die. I don't want to Please. Ma'am, please call 911. Just call 911. Just call 911, please. They're not real police officers, please. Please. >> Dude, did you just try to bite me? >> I did not try to bite you. I did not. I promise you. >> Straighten your feet out. >> All right, please. Why are you guys not showing me that you're a police officer? >> This is a badge. We're cops. >> That doesn't mean you're a cop. >> Give me YOUR STOP >> THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU'RE A COP. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO to me? >> Take you to jail. >> No, I have to go to the hospital. >> We'll go there first. >> I have to go to the hospital. I HAVE A GIANT BUBBLE on my vagina. I have to go to the hospital. You want me to show you? Like I have a giant bubble that's about to burst. I promise you. >> All right. >> Like seriously, and y'all are going to pop it. >> AND YOU'RE GOING TO SIT in the seat, all right? >> Why are you guys wanting to me? >> Nobody wants to >> Why are you guys wanting to me? >> to stand you up. >> Please. >> All right, let's stand up. Get in the car. Come on, stand up. >> Y'all, I need to go to the hospital. >> Stand up. >> Please. >> Get in the car. Go to the >> Where are my kids going? Where are my kids going? >> Get in the car. >> Where are my kids going? >> Call your mother. >> Y'all are not about to disappear with my [ __ ] kids. Y'all cannot disappear with my kids. >> Turn on the cage camera. >> The kids are all >> No, you guys >> 10-28 Allison Drive, that's your mother, right? >> Help me. Help. Help. >> We're taking them to your father. If father is not here, we've got to do it. >> Please, stop. >> Put them in the car. >> Get out of my car. >> She was charged with assault on law enforcement, resisting arrest, obstruction of justice, disorderly conduct, child endangerment, on a family member, failure to appear, and violating bail conditions. Putting yourself in an impaired state, especially while responsible for children, can lead to actions beyond your control with consequences that extend far beyond a single moment. A clear contradiction emerges. She appears emotionally distant from her own children, yet quickly turns to her mother for support when under pressure. >> MY KIDS! MY KIDS! MY KIDS! >> CAN YOU PLEASE TRY TO REACH MY MOM? >> ON MARCH 27TH, 2022, police were dispatched to a Walmart on West Highway 50 after receiving a report of young children left alone in a vehicle. Notably, one boy had managed to get out and was moving toward traffic in a busy parking lot. >> He just came out. And what what did you see? >> No, I was sitting in the car. >> Uh-huh. >> And the little boy, he climbed from the front to the back, from the back to the front. And then I guess he had maybe opened the door. He did something cuz the alarm started going off in the car. So I guess that made him nervous, so then he got out. >> So the the one in here got out? >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> got out. And then I was like, "Oh man, I hope his mom sees him." And then when I looked in there, I didn't see any adult. And I stepped out and I was like, "Hey, come back." Because he started walking out toward the street. >> Yeah. >> I don't want him to get hit. And then last thing you know, this lady over here, she had just pulled up. >> Okay. >> And so she she grabbed the key and I thought, "Oh okay, well maybe she was watching them from there." And she brought them over to me and I I said, "Oh, that's not my son. I don't know who somebody is. I saw him in the car." >> Yeah. >> she said, "Okay, well I'm going to take him inside." And I said, "Okay, well." >> All right. You guys have a good one. >> Upon arrival, officers approached the reported vehicle and calmly guided one of the children to unlock the door from the inside, allowing them to safely intervene. At the same time, the other child was located and secured. >> Hey. Can I open the door? Oh, can you open the door? Can you open the door? Look, press that button. Yep, there you go. >> You got it? >> You got it? >> Yeah. Hey, sweetie. Hey, where's your mom? Here, you want to come out here with me? How are you? Are you okay? Are you okay? >> Yeah, let's go. >> She's inside? >> Yeah. >> How long How long have you been out here by yourself, sweetie? >> I don't know. >> She's inside? Do you know What's Mommy's name? Do you know Mommy's name? >> Yeah. >> What's her name? What's her name, sweetie? Here, you want to Here, let's go sit Let's go sit in my car. >> Wait, no. >> You don't want to sit in my car? >> Wait. >> I know. We're We're trying to find Mommy. We don't know where she's at. >> He was wandering in the parking lot. One lady yelled at him. The other lady grabbed the kid. So, she went over there to get him out of the street. And she was talking to the lady. She was like, "He's not my kid. I just seen him in the road." So, I walked back out there cuz she said that there was a car parked next to her that had like a 6-year-old little girl sitting by herself. So, we went out there, the car was gone. >> Oh, the other officer got there with the car, right? >> Oh, there's a car out there? >> cuz somebody else called also on that. >> Yeah, me too. >> Before he took off. And so, we was already on the way for that one. >> When confronted by police, the mother appeared largely indifferent. At one point, she even made remarks suggesting she was willing to let her children be taken away, despite no such action being initiated by officers. >> Here. >> No. >> You You want a sticker? >> No. >> You don't want a sticker? >> No, no. >> You don't want to sit in my car? >> No. >> Okay. Yeah, I think so. We should be good. >> Wait, I want to see out there. >> You want to go inside with Mommy? Is this your Is this your child? Okay. >> Yeah. >> Where Where have you been? >> In the store. >> In the store? How long were you in there for? >> I'm going to call you back. >> 57128, I'm out with the female. >> Are y'all going to take them or send them to my husband? I got a year ago. I'm I'm doing the best I can. If y'all are going to take them, take them. >> We're not We're not going to take your kids. Here's the thing. >> I'm at my um I'm at I'm at my wits. I I can't. >> Okay. We're We're not going to take your kids. I get your >> I've been trying to get my And now that No, the police got my kids. I guess they had locked up up in the car. >> You got your mommy? >> Yeah, I'm at O'Fallon at what >> Do you have any other kids with you? >> I have a son. >> Yes, he's inside with some other lady cuz he just walked in the traffic. >> He walked in the traffic? >> Right. Yeah. How long have you been inside for? >> Probably 10 minutes. >> Okay, cuz we had we had a lady that saw and she said somebody Is there somebody else inside with you? >> No. >> Okay, so you're by yourself. So we had some other lady say that she saw nobody in the car for like 30 minutes. >> 30 minutes, okay. >> So here's >> Where's your other child at? I guess he up in there. >> need to go get him. >> But Brad's with him. >> Okay. Brad's with that kid. All right. So, here's the deal. Here Who else takes care of your kids? Just you? >> Okay. >> I I >> I was married. All I All I did me and him. He was >> Okay. >> It's just me. >> Yes, just you. >> It's just me. Nobody else. I called my mom. >> Nobody >> Nobody will help me. So that's why I said if y'all going to take them, I got to go. My grandma is sick. She's actually in the middle of um What's it called when you got cancer and you doing all this and that? I got to go Yeah, I got to pick her up. >> What began as an explanation soon shifted. As pressure mounted, the mother became increasingly distressed, repeatedly making phone calls for help, but without success. >> I I I've been trying to I'm trying to do the best that I can. Like I was tired. >> Can you tell me something for me? I want to talk to you. >> Why we got to talk in public in front of all >> Because listen listen, Destiny. You just left the kids in the car and then walked off. Okay? If it wasn't for these kind citizens who witnessed this whole thing and then helped corral your kids and then get us involved >> Yeah. >> Who knows where your son would be? Cuz you don't know where your son is right now. >> I do know where he at. >> You have no idea. >> He right there. >> Yeah. Sit sit sit sit down. >> I really want my mom to answer the phone. She not answering the phone. >> Can you get a hold of mom? >> I'm trying. >> Keep trying. What's mom's name? >> Hey. So you know how I was just begging you to help me with the kids? We at Walmart in the parking lot with the police. So I'm like I was telling him I'm tired. >> to come here? >> I'm tired and now they want you to come up here, but I'm tired. I'm tired. I left the kids up in the car to try to run up in Walmart to get a toilet plunger and yeah, that's why I was begging you for help. Like I'm I'm when I say I need help, I need help. Okay, so you don't give a basically. >> I heard Look, no, no, no. Let me Let me talk to your mom. >> Hi. >> Destiny? Can you call your mom back? >> Door unlocked or >> The situation then took another turn as she began offering unrelated justifications, claiming she was being treated unfairly. Officers, however, clearly outlined two options. A family member could come take custody of the children, or the situation would escalate further. >> Hey, Daddy. I miss you. Were you looking for me? >> Who's Who's this number? >> I don't know. Why >> Who is that number? >> I don't know. I don't say ask ask him. >> Hello. >> Can you stop calling my phone, please? >> Is it >> No, I don't know him. Don't tell I don't >> Stop. Give me a second. I'm trying to find somebody >> Hey, hey, oh. Give me a minute. >> You're about that close right now to go in jail, okay? >> Give me my phone. >> You're You're about that close to go in jail, and we'll call DCFS and turn them over to them. Is that what you want? >> know who that person is. Don't tell them. >> Okay, but I don't know who that person is, so don't give no random guy calling my phone my business. I don't know who that is. >> He's calling your phone, so >> Yeah. >> Okay? So, try to get ahold of somebody to come up here. >> Okay. >> Otherwise, you're going to jail. Okay? And you still might. Depends if you want somebody to come pick up the kids, or you want DCFS to get them. >> Let me check that real quick. I know y'all white and I'm black, but listen, I'm >> That don't even matter. That's not >> I'm a person. I have feelings. I have feelings. >> I have I have feelings, so >> And one is running around out here in traffic. >> Can you please try going my mom? >> While authorities work to arrange care for the children, the mother displayed a dismissive attitude and began resisting as officers attempted to manage the situation. >> Hey, this is Officer Estrada with the Fairview Police Department. I'm on Destiny's phone. >> Okay. >> So, what's your relationship to Destiny? >> I'm her cousin. >> It's your cousin? Okay. So, basically, here's what we've got. We had a situation in which uh she's being investigated for endangering the health here. So, basically, she's going to be taken into custody, but we have her two kids and we're trying to get her two kids into good hands and we're trying to figure out She's kind of being uncooperative. We're trying to figure out a family member that we could get the kids with so we don't have to give them to DCFS. >> Why y'all going to take my kids? Cuz I'mma kill Like, I can't Like, they daddy already gone. This This all I got left. So, if y'all going to take them, I will go. I'mma >> That's That's not what we plan to do. >> Destiny. >> Like, I will blow and everybody. That's all I got left. That's it. >> Here's the >> That's all I got left. >> That's That's all I got left. >> I understand that. Okay. I'm Stop. >> All right. Can you tell me >> Even after being restrained, the situation did not settle. She continued to object, insisted she had done nothing wrong, and repeatedly asked to see her children as officers escorted her to the vehicle. >> Fairview, Illinois Walmart. >> No, I'm not crazy. >> All right. No. All right. Don't do that. Stop. >> I don't stop. >> STOP. >> OW! STOP. LET ME GO. WHAT >> OKAY. YOU'RE UNDER ARREST. YOU'RE UNDER ARREST. YEAH. >> Let me go. >> You're under arrest. >> Call my mama. >> You're under arrest. >> I'll call my mom. >> You're under arrest. >> My babies. I want my babies. Y'all, please. >> You're under arrest. Quit resisting. >> Y'all, please. Call my mama. >> Okay, let me get up. Let me sit in the car. STOP. >> NO. >> STOP. GOD, JUST LET ME GO. MY KIDS. >> STOP. >> MY KIDS. >> DESTINY. >> MY KIDS. MY KIDS. MY KIDS. >> I DIDN'T DO [ __ ] >> COME ON. COME ON. >> LET ME GO. I DIDN'T do anything. MY KIDS IS IN HERE. THIS [ __ ] IS RECORDING ME. Y'ALL IS DOING THE MOST FOR NOTHING. NO. >> COME ON. In the car. In the car. >> Let me in the damn car. Y'all embarrassing. >> YOU ARE. YOU ARE. >> WHAT'S your name? Cuz you are racist. >> You're the one putting your >> No, YOU RACIST. WHY ARE YOU DOING me What's your name? >> Thomas. Put your foot in the car. Come >> Okay. Come on. >> Put your foot in the car. You've gone beyond that. >> know. >> You've gone beyond that. >> I don't have a criminal record. Listen. Listen. >> foot in the car. >> Listen. >> Put your foot in the car. >> Hey, you call the um Call my mama. I'm going >> PUT YOUR FOOT IN THE CAR. >> PLEASE. I'm not a criminal and y'all TREATING ME >> YOU'RE UNDER ARREST. >> NO, I'M NOT. WHAT I DO? CAN Y'ALL LET ME OUT? Y'ALL LET ME OUT. MY HUSBAND WHY THE [ __ ] ARE Y'ALL DOING ME LIKE THIS? >> PUT YOUR FOOT IN THE CAR. PUT YOUR FOOT in the car. >> mama. >> Put your foot in the car. >> Call my mama. >> Put your foot in the >> you help me? >> I will help you. Put your foot IN THE CAR. PUT YOUR FOOT IN THE >> WAY Y'ALL TREATING ME LIKE THIS. >> THE WOMAN was charged with endangering the life or health of a child and resisting a peace officer. She later posted bail and was released that same evening. The children were placed in the care of a family member and a report was filed with the Department of Children and Family Services. Multiple concerns had already emerged, yet the father maintained that there was no issue at all. >> So, I have a problem. >> Say what? >> I have a problem. >> There is a problem. We're going to take you to jail. Okay? So, you are under arrest right now. Police received a call about two young children wearing only t-shirts and diapers wandering unsupervised for over an hour among moving vehicles in weather conditions. One of the children was visibly shivering. A bystander stepped in to help keep them warm while waiting for officers to arrive. >> Hello. That's okay. Are you Megan? >> Yes. >> What is happening? >> I work from home and so I was like in the middle of calls and trying to wrangle two children. >> Uh-huh. >> Um there's another one who was right behind me. I don't have kids so it's out of my element. >> I think there's an adult with them that's in the bathroom. >> Where? >> In the I found out where they live. >> Oh, okay. >> In this building. So if you want to come up here >> yeah. Yeah, yeah. >> And I tried like banging on the door but I didn't want to go in just >> Yeah. No, I I understand completely. >> But so I live in that building. >> Okay. >> Dog that's probably staring into your soul. And I was looking outside and I just see them in just diapers. >> Yeah. >> Like outside like it's not cold but it's not warm enough to be >> warm, no. Where's the other one at? >> Um he was on the second floor. They live on the third floor, I guess. >> Okay. >> So I wrapped this one in a blanket. He's been shivering. >> Yeah. >> And I heard the water and I banged on the door, screamed hello, ducked my head and didn't hear anything. >> Do you know if we know their names yet? >> No, I can't get anything out of >> How did you find their apartment? >> I just followed it down. >> Okay. >> I just tried like poking in different ones. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. >> Trying to just like play with them a little bit. >> Yeah. Hey, buddy. >> See, I have a friend. I don't know what to give her. She's like >> Yeah. >> He's >> False eight just dispatched. Got you. >> But >> Was the door open? You found it like that? >> Yes. >> Let's update the address to three and if we have another unit free, if I can go and get somebody else up here. You okay, buddy? Hello. >> I heard the water. That's the only reason. >> Yeah. Hello, man. Is this your apartment? >> No. >> Okay. Do you know who lives here? >> Um I don't know. They're No, I don't know whose apartment they are, but I I've seen them before. It's a tan van-looking car. I'm not good with cars. >> That's okay. Do you Did you notice it out there at all? >> Um I haven't seen it in the past week. >> Got you. As officers continued to investigate, the situation revealed several inconsistencies. The more questions were asked, the less consistent the man's statements became. Hello. Hey. You okay? >> Yeah, yeah. >> Okay. You're Are these Are these your kids? >> Yes. >> They were outside in the in the parking lot. Do you mind if I come in? Can I come in? >> Yeah. >> Yeah, okay. Ma'am, if you want to put them in here. Okay, good deal. And your address is the same thing that's on your driver's license? >> Uh I think so. >> You can That's What is it? Are you Are you okay? >> Yeah, I'm uh >> What What happened? Why >> Well, um uh my my friend uh leave this uh door open. >> Okay. Who's your friend? >> And he's outside. He's coming. >> Okay. Where were you at? >> Huh? >> Where were you? >> Uh I was in uh I take a wa- wash. >> A shower? >> Yeah, shower, yeah. >> Okay. Do you have two kids? >> Yeah, yeah. >> Is that it? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Ma'am, what What I'm going to give I'm going to give the kids back to you right now, but I still need to talk to you for a second. I'm going to talk to you out there for just a minute, okay? If you want to put the kid down for him. Do you have a wife? >> Um no. >> No? Who else do you live here with? >> His name is uh He She is uh living in other other home. >> Who else lives here with you? I'll be right out with you. >> This is not at my home. >> This is not your home? >> No. >> Who lives here? >> Uh Yusuf. He's >> Okay. Do Where Where do you live? >> Huh? >> Where do you live? >> Um I live here in together here. >> I thought you said this was not your home. >> Temporary here. Temporary here. >> How long have you been here? >> Um five five days almost. >> Okay. Do you have a social security number? >> Officers noted that the man lacked basic information about the children's mother and the custody arrangement, raising further concerns about responsibility and supervision. >> Is there a home problem? >> Say what? >> Is there a home problem? >> There is a problem, yes. Your children were outside in the parking lot unattended. Yes, that is a problem. Do you have a social security number? >> Yeah, my social security uh you know Yeah, I have a >> Do you know what it is? >> Yeah, yeah. >> What is it? >> 67 >> Where does he live? Does he live here? >> Uh no. >> Where does he live? >> Uh he live in Um So, where Where do you live? >> Uh >> Okay. >> I live >> Let's Let's back up. >> I don't >> Is that Is that your son? >> Yes. >> That is your son. Where do you live? >> I don't have I don't have I have home, but uh >> Whose Whose apartment is this? >> Uh Yusuf. >> Who is he to you? >> Uh he's in Uzbekistan right now. >> Who is Yusuf to you? >> Uh my friend just >> Just a friend? Okay. You're from Uzbekistan, right? >> And you live here now? >> Temporary here. >> Okay. Are you watching the house for Yusuf? Are you Are you watching this residence for Yusuf? Are you staying here while Yusuf is gone? >> yeah, yeah. >> Okay. Who do the kids live with? >> Uh he lives in >> Does he live >> Mom. >> He lives with his mom. >> Yeah. >> Where is his mom at? >> His mom is living in this this home. >> Okay. Why is he Why is he with you right now? >> Uh I just I think just two or three days. I think just two or three days. >> Okay. Uh do you have Is that your other son? >> Yeah. >> Do you have his information? >> Yes. >> Why is his Why is his last name different? >> Uh I don't know. This is my first My kid is the second. >> Okay. Do you have their mom's name? Do you have their mother's um phone number? Excuse me. Is it on your phone? >> Maybe. I don't know. I I don't have her. >> How How did you get a hold of her to get the kids? How did you get a hold of her to get the kids? >> Uh his uh uh Mom uh his mom's brother. >> Okay. Do you have his mother's phone number? >> Uh I don't have his number. >> You don't have her number? >> A neighbor confirmed that the children had been outside since around 1:40 p.m. One child was trembling from the cold, while the other continued wandering nearby. >> Keep looking. >> Oh, hi. >> Sorry about that. I didn't want to keep you waiting too long. How long were they outside? >> Um I can I'd say at least 45 minutes. From when I noticed them. >> Copy. Thank you. Okay. >> too much at the first because there are kids that play outside, but when I realized that they were not clothed fully and no parents >> Yeah. >> and they were like in the middle of the pavement. >> So, what time do you think it was? I'm sorry. >> It's okay. What time did it happen today? Uh like 1:40. >> About 1:40. That's when you noticed? >> That's when I noticed. >> Mhm. And they were just like they are right now? >> Yeah. >> Hey little dude. Okay. Mhm. Were they both Were they both shaking or just the one? >> The one was shaking and that's why he was in the blanket. The other one was running around, so he was warmer, but the one was visibly visibly cold. >> Yeah. >> Um so, that's why I grabbed my jacket out of my car. >> Were there were there any other vehicles out and around? >> Um, no. >> You didn't notice any of that? >> No, I saw somebody get in their car and leave, but I just know people drive. >> Yeah. No, absolutely. Yeah. Absolutely. Yeah, I agree. >> So, and I did come up and I when I followed him up the stairs. So, I didn't know that and I heard the water come on. So, and I poked my head in and I didn't see anybody, but I didn't want to go in there. >> The door was just wide open? >> Wide open, yeah. >> Okay. >> I didn't want to go into somebody's apartment not knowing >> Yeah. >> what you're getting into. >> Exactly. I appreciate you. >> Okay, no problem. And if there's anything >> No, I'll just give you a holler if I need anything. >> Okay, okay. >> Yeah, thank you. >> Yeah, sorry you had to find me. >> That's okay. No, no, no, no worries. I understand completely. It's not too far from here. Two little kids. >> Recognizing the potential danger, officers assessed the risks posed by both the weather and the traffic in the parking area. They also attempted to contact the children's mother, who held primary custody. >> Born in 20 and 21. Yeah. Came out of the apartment in t-shirt and diapers. Something like that and they're running around in the parking lot. Um, starting about 1:40. He, dad, was in the shower. Left the door unlocked. Way too freaking cold. It's a busy parking lot. That's no way to do it. Supposedly he's had the kids for the past couple days. I'm trying to get a hold of mom, but he doesn't have any contact information for mom. He doesn't have anything. That's where she lives. Did you see the guy? Did you see him just like No, no, no, like on your way here, did you were you checking leads at all or anything? >> No. >> So, do you remember the one that went out the 304? That was always up on the north side. >> Yes. >> So, um, trying to get a hold of mom, but she's got her own apartment. No, she's not in the apartment. They are divorced. >> Did you go in the apartment? >> Yes, I've been staying in the apartment. So, hopefully we can get a hold of mom, but if not, um, we're going to have to call 603. >> What's the address? >> Yeah, it's 1.6 miles away. And this is this is her name. >> Okay. >> After multiple attempts, they were finally able to reach her and she agreed to come pick up the children. >> Who Who has custody of the children? Like, y'all divorced, who who keeps the children normally? >> Uh mom. >> Mom? Okay, good deal. Thank you. Hang on 1 second for me, all right? >> I know, it's police. >> Hello. Yes, ma'am, are you there right now? >> Yes, I'm home. >> Okay, my partner should be showing up uh just 1 second. >> Yes, yes, she she said the police also did that. >> Yes, ma'am, are you are you able to come pick your your children up? >> Yes, I'm able to pick up my children. >> Okay, talk to my partner. He should be coming up to your house right now. >> Yes, of of course. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yep. Do you know what Do you know what your ex-wife's birthday is? Right Right Rukaya, what is her birthday? >> Uh I don't know. >> That's okay. Don't worry about it. Don't That's okay. That's okay. That's okay, not a problem. Come on in. Did you happen to get her Do you have her DOB >> I already have all of it. >> Thank you. She got a brother, I guess. Yeah. Yeah. >> Based on the findings, officers proceeded according to protocol. They contacted child protective services and detained the man while the children were to be returned to their mother. Additional concerns were also noted by building management. >> So, now that now that we have that taken care of, right? Um there's a few things that we're going to have to do, okay? Number 1, we're going to have to call children services, okay? Um are you are you familiar with children services? >> No. >> Okay. So, I need to call an agency children services to let them know that the kids were out and about, right? So, that's that's one thing needs to happen. Next thing, the kids are obviously going with with her mother, right? And the third thing is we're going to take you to jail, okay? So, you are under arrest right now. So, I need you to do hands I need you to take them behind your back, okay? >> Oh, you want to I just >> Yes. Okay, just like that. >> I can put on my my jacket now. >> Say what? >> I can have my coat on my jacket now. >> We can get a jacket draped over your shoulder. Hang on. All right. We're secure. Let's go this way. There we go. Watch your step. Hello, ma'am. >> Hi. >> How are you? >> I'm the manager. >> Yes, ma'am. >> I was in a meeting when you stopped one of you stopped it. They are not unauthorized occupants. >> Okay. Who would those unauthorized occupants be? >> Huh? >> I said who would they who would they be? Do you know who they are or >> who they are. That's the reason why they're unauthorized. I only have one resident that is supposed to be living in that apartment home. And he keeps making copies of the keys. We've been having non-stop up and in and out traffic all day all night. One of the individuals is not a authorized be in the United States. >> Okay. Who's the person that owns the apartment or that rents the apartment I should say? >> He's in the military. >> Okay. Would you like me to jump under your umbrella here? This is the person that >> Yep. He's back in his country right now. >> Yes. Yes. So, the person that we dealt with said that he is house sitting for this person that he does not live there. I'm just telling you what what we were told, right? Uh that he is house sitting uh for his friend because his friend has been gone. He's only been here for a day or two. And once again, this is just what I'm being told, right? And that he is just watching his apartment for his the lessee of the apartment, right? >> All of them that come on my property are truck drivers. >> My advice to you would be to um go through the eviction process with that guy if you don't want him on your property anymore, right? Um we can also issue criminal trespass warnings for anybody that's not a resident there. So, this guy's not a resident, I can issue him a criminal trespass warning saying you are not to come back on this property ever again. >> Right. >> If you do, you're subject to arrest. >> Yes. >> All right, is that something you would like? >> Yes. >> Fantastic. >> The father was charged with child endangerment. In Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, this offense may carry fines ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, along with potential supervision or incarceration lasting from 6 months to 8 years. It only takes a brief lapse in attention for young children to wander off and face serious risks before an adult even realizes it. Careful supervision and maintaining a safe environment are essential. If a mother's arms are no longer a safe place for a child, then someone else may have to step in. >> What's up, listen to me. You're going to fall over. >> Don't make it worse. Don't >> to I don't want you to fall over, okay? >> On June 12th, 2023, police responded to a household following reports of a tense situation. The woman appeared highly distressed and emotional, saying she felt unsafe, while the man stated that an argument had taken place between them. Due to the mother's unstable condition, officers separated her from the child as a precaution. >> I didn't do anything. >> What do you mean you don't need to do anything? >> Stop. >> I don't need to run, she's walking right to me. She just struck me in the face like seven times. >> Step over here. What is going on? What is going on, sir? >> I have witnesses. I got struck >> Okay, there's another officer, go talk to them. Quit yelling. What is going on? What is going on, sir? What is going on? >> He's like freaking out. He's like freaking out. >> What are we talking about? Just not right now. >> Okay, what's going on? >> I think can I take my son home? He's so calm. >> What's that? >> Can I take my son home? >> I don't know. I got to figure out what's going on. You He says that you broke a window at a house? >> Yes. I broke every I I don't even know. I don't even care. If somebody said I had broken the law. Can I please just go? I'll wait for my family. >> Okay. >> Can I have her? >> I'm going to take the baby, okay? Listen to me. You're falling over. You're falling over. I don't want you to drop the kid. So, I'm going to take you. >> Listen. You will not take my child. No. >> WHAT IS YOUR NAME? >> NO. YOU WILL NOT TAKE MY CHILD. >> WHAT IS YOUR NAME? WHAT IS YOUR NAME? >> PLEASE. Please don't take my child. Okay. I don't want to fight you. I don't want to fight you. >> I'm not going to, okay? >> Okay, can I take her my child? >> No, I'm going to take the child here. This officer's going to grab your arm or the child, one of the other. >> No. >> I'm sorry. >> Don't take her. Don't take her. >> We're We're going to I don't want you to fall over, okay? I don't want you to fall over. Walk over here to my car. >> No. >> I don't know yet. I just don't want her to fall. She's stumbling all over the place. >> I'm not stumbling all over the place. >> You got all over me now. What is your name? >> The situation escalated when the woman resisted, repeatedly insisting on keeping the child despite clear signs of impairment. Officers were ultimately required to restrain her and place her in the vehicle. >> What is your name? >> My name is Monica Morganstern, and that is the child of me. Please. >> The child of you? >> Please don't let my father Don't let my father Please don't let my >> that happen. Please don't let that happen. >> Have a seat. >> Can you please just don't let that >> Have a seat. >> No, I don't think you understand. Get him. >> Okay, he's right here with me. >> GET HIM. NO. >> HE'S RIGHT HERE WITH ME. YES. >> OBVIOUSLY I DIDN'T RUN FOR NO REASON. >> Stop >> I know how >> yelling. >> Get him. Get him. >> The child is fine. The child is with another officer. Yes. >> I got him in the car. >> The child is fine. You are drunk. He's better off now than he was a few minutes ago. >> Just let me see him, officer. >> Yes. What is going on? >> Okay. He's safe. >> What is going on? >> Promise Promise me that my child is Promise me that my CHILD IS SAFE. >> PUT YOUR LEGS INSIDE. Put your legs inside the car. I'm done listening to you. >> Oh, sorry. >> There's an ambulance coming. Put your legs inside. Supposedly she busted a bunch of windows somewhere and she's got cuts all over her, so that would not surprise me. I only grabbed the kid because she almost fell in the yard. >> The man reported that she had previously behaved inappropriately toward him and had damaged another person's window. Officers initially found his account credible as her behavior aligned with his description. >> She broke the god damn house window, dude. >> yelling. We're in a residential neighborhood. >> I'm sorry, man. I'm just >> I don't think the child has any cuts. I think that's from >> No, it's hers. It's hers. I watched her do it. >> That's what's on your forearm, too? Is that from her or >> It was mine. >> Uh yeah, you got some on your forearm right here, a streak down there. >> That's either dirt >> No, that's dirt. That's probably from her [ __ ] hitting me or something. Dude, she hit me like seven or eight times in the face and the stomach. >> So, as she was trying to get the child out, you basically blocked her from getting him out of the car, right? >> No, I didn't. I was still in the driver's seat. Okay. I didn't touch her. Not a single time. >> So, she was able to get him out of the seat? >> Yes. >> And then >> And then I just followed her. That's when I called the police. >> Was she hitting you when you were in the vehicle or when you got out? >> No, when I got out. I got out of the vehicle, that's when I called police. She was completely >> Trying to dive out of the vehicle. He pulls over, she gets out, pulls the kid out of car seat, and she just starts walking off. They're not married. That's his biological son. >> Her son as well? >> It should be both their son. >> Okay, so it's his. >> Is my understanding correct? Essentially, she He starts following her and she's hitting him. She hits him a couple times in the face and whatnot. As he's following her, he dictated it to the dispatcher every time she was hitting him. Can't see any marks, but he's also his face is just flushed so red, it's hard to see anything. Right. >> Right. I don't know if she would leave marks, but I believe that she was hitting him. >> That's pretty much what he >> From her behavior. >> I said she's smaller and wouldn't leave marks anyways. Um, and then this >> She's so intoxicated, like I can't get anything out of her. >> This side of the house, she walked to the side of it and broke the uh the glass window in the door. That's the window the door the window that glass that she ended up breaking. >> Okay. >> Um, we at least have domestic right now with us. Go ahead. >> Yeah, get all his info for domestic and we'll fill all that. Out. For female, hopefully. >> As details became clearer, it was established that an argument had occurred leading to a physical altercation and broken glass. However, the woman continued to deny the events and focused only on regaining access to her child, further weakening her account. >> So, the patient hasn't been able to tell me much. She is very intoxicated. >> Okay. >> Um, she evidently They went to Shade. She got extremely intoxicated at Shade. They get in argument driving down the road. She tries to drop jump out with a 1 and 1/2-year-old kid in her arms. So, he calls 911 obviously. Then she smashes a bunch of windows out of this house. She's got cuts all over I don't think the baby has any cuts. I think the blood on the baby is from her. I had We had to physically separate her from the baby. She's going to be going to jail. I've just got to determine if she's going to have to have medical clearance like stitches or something before she goes or if we can just put some band-aids on her. I don't know how bad it is. There's some EMTs here to talk to you. >> Yeah, I >> Hi, I'm >> You can stay right there. You can stay there. I hear you're pretty >> Where's my Where's my son? >> He's fine. >> there. He's okay. >> Where? Where? >> He's with another officer. He's fine. >> No, where where where where where where >> He's with another officer. He's fine. >> Where's he going? >> yet. Well, I'm going to get your arm looked at. >> All right, where are you >> want to talk until I know where he's at. >> You don't have to talk about that. I want to go and look at where you're cut at. Where Where would the ambulance be? We're with the ambulance. >> That's fine. I'm so >> Your son is in a police cruiser with a police officer. He's fine. >> I don't care if he's in a police cruiser. >> Okay. >> I care if I'm with him. >> All right, can I see your arm here? >> I'm fine. >> I won't touch you. Can I see your >> No, I don't want to talk. >> All right, hon, you got blood on you. So, you're not So, you're not fine. >> What do you think is going to happen with drunks? >> Well, a lot of things can happen with drunks, but in this case you got cut. I need to see where you got cut and how bad you got cut. >> respecting the drunk rule. >> All right, you got cut right there on your arm. >> That's way previous. >> No, not that. That. Anywhere else? >> That That That's previous. >> Where is that >> That's from earlier. I don't >> That's fine. I don't care. >> I want to see that. That's where I That's where I >> Can I get to my son? Can I get to my son? >> I know ma'am, but not right now. >> Let me get to my son. You're not going to get anything out of me because there's nothing to get. I'm fine. >> Okay, can I see your head, your face? >> Yeah, I'm fine. I've never anything. I never touched anything. >> can I see this arm where you got cut right >> It's it's inside. >> It's >> That was me. >> That was you? >> Yeah, or my son. >> I don't know if they're going to stitch it up. >> and 1/2 years old. >> Well, I don't know if the jail's going to take him. >> can we please document Can we please document that my my >> Well, I'll put something on it so she won't get any more over your stuff. >> Okay. >> That's all I see. I mean, unless we see anything else. >> Can we please document that my son is 1 and 1/2? >> Tensions rose as she continued raising her voice and demanding the child while still in an unstable state. Officers responded firmly, pointing out that her statements were not helping her situation. >> Are you Okay. Okay, I'll take care of >> Your son's fine. He's getting treated as well. >> He cannot be with his father. Please. >> Why? >> Please. >> You're going to have to explain why, cuz right now you're his father's in much better shape than you are. >> Cuz he's bigger. >> Because he's bigger? >> Literally bigger. >> Okay. Okay, I'm having a really hard time understanding why it would be better for him to be with you than with the father right now, because you just put windows out of a house. You cut your arm. You may have cut your son. You're very drunk. I I The fa- The father's not drunk. >> Oh, so you think a 5 minutes that you have to interact with him is a is okay for my son to be with him? >> Much better with the father than with you. Yes. You almost fell. You busted a window. >> Okay. >> because my son isn't absolutely okay. >> All right, now he's in the best place he can be for what's going on. Can I wrap this up? >> Can you please >> Let me take care of you first. >> I you can you can please. I just don't want him there. >> No, obviously where the cut's at, that doesn't look like blood. >> Yeah, please. My son out of his care My son in his care just fell out of his receipt. Do you know what that means? Do you know what that means? That means that you're chugging along getting groceries in your groceries cart and your child just falls out. >> I've got her info on this computer. >> child just falls out. Okay? My child just fell out while I was in at work. >> I'm going to get a You just left Shay, right? >> Yes. >> Do you work at Shay? >> No. >> The situation reached its peak when officers proceeded with the arrest. Even then, she continued to deny the allegations and questioned the officers, indicating a continued disconnect from the situation. >> Have a seat. >> My child's not being taken from me. My child's not being taken >> Your Your child's just getting checked by EMS, okay? >> My child's not being taken from me. >> Do you want to do your cuts with I can't do the city right now. >> Oh my god. My child's not being taken from me. >> Your child's currently being checked out by EMS just to make sure he has no cuts, okay? >> Yes, I But he's not being taken. >> All right, Monica, at this point you're under arrest for domestic violence, okay? >> For what? >> Domestic violence. >> Oh, okay. That's fine. But my child is okay? >> Your child is fine. It's just a bit of dried blood it looks like. >> 100%? >> Well, we can talk with the EMS, but he looks perfectly fine. I don't see any more blood. >> You don't see anything? >> I saw nothing but dried blood, which I believe that's just from you, okay? I I think your child's fine. But once again, >> That's fine. No, no, no. >> Okay. We're going to walk over to this vehicle, okay? Um do I need anything for my phone? >> We'll grab all your stuff. I don't even know where your phone is. It's not in your purse. Um is it in the diaper bag? >> No, I don't care about it as long as my baby is okay. >> All right, go and have a seat for me, okay? >> Yeah. Um how long will this take? >> Right now, you're going to end up going to regional and it will take until you can at least see the judge in the morning. All right. Um they do video arraignment around 9:00 a.m., I believe. >> So, why am I in this? >> In the back of the cruiser? >> Yeah. >> Because you're currently under arrest for domestic violence. >> Why domestic violence? >> Because you were hitting him. And you that gentleman over there, the father of your child, okay? That's why you're currently in there. >> Oh, okay. Can you ask him for sure? >> I've already spoke with him. >> Can you ask him for sure? >> I absolutely can. >> This guy won't let me out. >> Please ask him. Please ask him. No, no, no. >> Never had a phone in the entire time. >> No, I want to hear it. >> Nope. Once inside the police vehicle, she remained visibly distressed, speaking loudly and making inappropriate remarks, suggesting she had not yet regained composure. >> She's speaking at this gentleman as I pass him. I am not your babe. >> If you want to ask him about that iPad, I don't know if that's your child or not. >> Oh my god, I'm going to scream. I I swear to [ __ ] god I'll kill you. >> That's not very nice. >> No, I will kill you. I'm stuck back here [ __ ] like no moving whatsoever and here you Kill. Babe, can you help me out? Please. Look, I cannot do [ __ ] because of my hand. >> He vanished at Jacob's. She was ultimately >> charged with domestic violence. In the United States, this offense may result in fines and can carry penalties ranging from less than 1 year in jail to multiple years of imprisonment, depending on the severity and circumstances. When parents allow emotions or alcohol to take control, conflicts can quickly cross the line and directly affect their children. A family remains safe only when adults maintain composure because a single impulsive act can have lasting consequences for a child. Christmas, a day meant for joy and reunion, turned into a tense, tear-filled morning for a small family in Florida. >> She was the one shoving my mom's face, hitting me in the face, pulling my hair. >> On December 25th, 2024, Palm Beach police received multiple emergency calls about a family dispute during a custody exchange. The situation escalated in front of a 2-year-old child. Officers arrived quickly and took statements from witnesses, including the child's 17-year-old sister, who observed the events. >> They're over the corner. >> Who Who say we we have no clue what's going on. You need EMS? >> You're bleeding from your eye. >> I I guess so. I don't know. >> You want to have a seat? Just relax a little bit. >> Um I'm going to look through the phone here if they have any pictures or anything. So yeah. >> What happened? >> They have They're the 50/50 custody thing going on. >> Mhm. >> Our brother is the dad of the kid. >> Uh-huh. >> The mom of the kid came and I guess it's the dad's day. The mom came to get She was trying to stop it, trying to say no. I'm in the house. I have a trespass warning for here, so I'm not entirely I don't know how it transpired, but long story short, it was the mom coming to get the kid on dad's day. >> Okay. Okay, so the mom came to get the kid. She's not supposed to be here. >> Correct. >> What happened? Why is her eye >> She I was in the house with my own kid, so I don't know how exactly the details are. >> ma'am, can you tell me what happened? >> Can I get a sip of water? >> Yeah, yeah, for sure. So this is where the baby resides half of the time? >> Yes, but I do believe, just to put that in that they have my phone. I was trying to get it from them at the end of this street. They're parked around the corner, but she wouldn't get >> How do they have your phone? >> I guess cuz my sister had it and I don't guess between the tussle of it. >> So, who's this lady? >> I guess a neighbor. I don't live here. Yeah, no. >> Have a seat right here. Tell me what happened. >> She came over Friday night. We're doing Christmas Saturday morning for >> I guess the other car units went 10-8. Take a moment. I'll be right there. >> It's not her day and she's trespassed on this property to get her. >> What do you mean it's not her day? >> It's not her day for their custody share. >> So, why did she come here today? >> Because we told her she needs to get off She said I'm coming to get my baby. Y'all got me messed up. >> Where is the father of the baby? >> He's working. That's why I'm watching her cuz I'm on break from school. >> Okay. >> The mother's arrival increased tension, prompting police to take safety measures to stabilize the situation. >> Who is this? >> She's trespassing ON THIS PROPERTY. Y'ALL HAVE TO WARN HER NOW. >> MY CHILD and no, my child is Yes, they she they jumped me. They jumped me. Isn't that trespassing? The father IS NOT HERE. >> TOO MANY PEOPLE TALKING. >> THE LAST TIME I CAME, she's she and she is a witness. The last time I came, they she did the same thing. Tried to jump me. They did the same thing. I'm 21. The one time I I told you. I told you I could whoop you. You want TO KEEP TALKING? NO, THIS IS NO. >> I'M DETAINING you right now. >> I can't even get my phone. >> Turn around. Don't move. >> They have her and my daughter. My poor baby in the car. And the father is not here. Sir, you don't understand my frustration. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah, but when you're here yelling and we're trying to talk to you and >> I'm sorry. >> Where is the baby at? >> In that car. >> All right. Come on. And who's in that car? >> That's her car. >> Her car? >> have custody. >> And who's this lady here? >> That's her her crazy mom. They always do this. This is the same. They hit my mother. >> One after four and I got a wife and a kid here at the house. >> Okay. >> I wouldn't get arrested if I just detained. >> Yeah, you're just detained right now. >> So, she's alive. I promise you I didn't want to hurt her, but she hitting my child up for one time back. After they jumped me, the one that looks all nice and she was the one shoving my mom's face. What you mean the face? Pulling my hair. The neighbor had to get in on this and when I was younger >> in the face? >> Yes, I don't Bro, I was I was all of them. Thank God I'm okay. Thank God I'm okay. >> where were you >> My nails popped off. Everything fell out. >> Cuz I'm looking at you, I don't see any bruises. If I touched you right now, you would have a bruise. I don't see on your face. I don't see a on the side. >> There's witnesses. I have witnesses. I promise you. They did this the last time I was here. >> No worries. >> The father didn't even see the fight. >> ID on you? >> It's in the car. >> Okay. What's your name? >> My name >> All right. Put your There's like three calls going on right now so She showed up on not her day. Okay. She She ain't there yet. So, she it's not her day. This is what the sister, the aunt of the little girl is telling me. >> Who's the aunt? The girl in the black? >> Right there. Her brother's with that. >> This is grandma. Where's the court order? >> Donde esta este documento para la corte? >> Where's the kid? >> She's in the back seat of the car. >> Is this where the fight happened? >> It happened right up there. >> Cuz this is the old lady's shoe, right? >> That's the one that >> the lady's shoe, I don't know. >> so I'm just I'm just telling you what Call me. >> No, I'm fine. I'm cool. >> Call me if they don't have the court order. >> Okay. >> I can't go searching their stuff. >> You're right. You're right. Fair enough. Okay. >> So, I have EMS coming for your eye. If you can get her ID for me cuz we're going to need her, all right? >> Okay. >> She's in the car. She's detained so everyone just needs to relax right now. Cuz the most important is the little girl. >> Right. For him. Yeah. >> So, we have a camera here. >> Oh, yeah? Oh, perfect. >> And if you look, that's the old lady's shoe right there. >> Oh, her? >> The old lady. Grandma. >> All right. I need Let me grab my phone. I got to take some pictures. Cousin said it happened here. But, it's looking like up here, unless somebody threw a shoe. Now, I have a quick question for you guys. >> Um well, I do this here and this is the trespass warning. >> Okay. We're We're going to look at She's in custody right now. We're going to look at everything right now. What I need is that camera footage. >> Okay. >> Who has that? >> Me. >> I haven't seen it. IVMS coming to check you out. Because your your eye's still leaking right now. So, relax. She's in custody. We have her in the back seat of the patrol car. >> Oh my god, it's crying tears. >> What I need right now is I need that footage. I take some pictures. >> After assessment, police found the mother had disobeyed a court order and entered the property without permission. The investigation was expanded due to family conflict. >> I haven't yet. Hold on, let them Mirandize you and then we'll talk to you. Okay, Mirandize her. >> What the [ __ ] is that here? The father never watches over her. The sister's always been this way with me. The mom got in a fight with me years ago. She tried to steal my daughter. >> All right, listen. All right, you're going to get to speak your entire piece, but before that, I have to read you something, okay? I'm required to warn you before you make any statement that you have the following constitutional right. You have the right to remain silent and not answer any questions. Understand? Can you tell me what happened? >> I pull up, right? >> Mhm. >> And literally the day that the mom begged me to come out here, she picked up the child. For in the party, they all got to Eventually, I told his mom I have to go. She begged me to stay. Of course, heard I was leaving, he lost his mind. He tried to put his hands on me, threw the stuff that I had in his car out on on the street. The police came. I had to wait out here an hour to get an Uber home. Two days ago. I had to wait an hour here to get an >> What happened today? >> Guess what? I swallowed that. Today, I have to come get my daughter, right? Of course, not here. Who's he Who's Who are they with? The sister and the sister's sister. So, they're playing doll with her because I get here and the kids are outside by themselves. So, I grabbed the child of the other woman, which must be older sister, and I put her in the house. I hear somebody boom boom boom boom boom coming outside. No, you got me up. Boom, went to push me in the face with my laces in my hand. I don't know how the hell I knocked but I've been this way my whole life. I've been defending myself and dealing with people like this my whole life. I know my demeanor, I get off. Like, hey, I take this. I can handle it, but it's only so much. And then eventually my daughter comes out of my hand. She tries to reach for her. My mom comes out to help me. And the other chick is pulling my hair while the other one's pulling my leg, they're pulling my arm. And in all of this, they're like squeezing my daughter's stomach. They convince me that they're hurting her enough for me to let go. I said, "No, you're not going to hurt her. I don't care what you think this is happening. Let go of her." >> All right, let me just get the relation here. >> here. >> So, is your your ex >> 4 years. >> So, the father of your child. And you came here to get your daughter from technically But he's not here. His sister is here with the kids. >> She's 17. >> Okay, sister is 17. >> She smokes, she don't have nothing going on right now but school. I never said it was okay. >> agreement? >> Yes. >> Okay, so this is valid. Okay, so you it says every other weekend on Friday, Saturday, Sunday. >> I paid $5,000 for a lawyer. He doesn't even show up to the court house. >> Okay, so that has nothing to do with what's going on. This is your custody agreement. Like, he's trying to find out. When is your custody agreement? Cuz obviously, you both agree and then it's a court order. So, when's your custody >> He knows I'm supposed to I was supposed to get >> what we're trying to know. What's the custody >> It's right there. >> What is it? You should know what it is. >> He only gets her Friday, Saturday, Sunday. >> Okay, today is what? >> Monday. >> Okay. >> You're not going to get her I was supposed to get her up on Monday. >> You're supposed to get her up Sunday, not Monday. >> Yes, I didn't come yesterday. >> Okay, so this is this is this is what we're trying to get to. Your court order says you have to be on Sunday here to pick her up. So, if you weren't here, the best thing you should have done the police we come here, we grab the child. Well, we don't grab her. >> I didn't know what was going >> I know, but you came in here and you started >> know that I didn't start it, sir. I didn't know what was going to happen. >> knowing you weren't supposed to be here. >> What? >> You weren't supposed to be here today. You're supposed to be here yesterday. >> I don't have a car, sir. My mom couldn't bring me yesterday. >> that's why we're >> That's the only reason, but I called you guys >> When? >> right before I got here and the lady y'all would have there. She never told me hey, you know, maybe you should Yes, I didn't call 911. I called the non-emergency. >> Still didn't get the call. >> I should have just called y'all right away. I called the non-emergency because I was on the phone with domestics, all right? >> This entire thing exists so this doesn't happen. >> Correct. >> That's the literal reason for this. And now we're here because we let our emotions get the best of us. >> I just want my child. >> No, no, that's completely understandable. >> raised her. I've raised her since she came out of my womb. I raised her. They don't raise her. They play doll with her on the weekend. They haven't had her in months. I just told them five whole In the weekend I came there was a problem. It's more than just co-parenting. >> Of course. >> nothing. He just explained to you what you need to do. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Do I need to go to court? >> Because she was scared. I'm just overwhelmed. I've been dealing with these people for years. >> And you keep coming back. >> I don't. >> And why is the child >> Mom took it to court and the mom showed up, right? On her knees. I have a video of her kneeling on her knees. I really believe this lady. >> It's the same story. It's the same story and it's the >> It's the same. Sir, please. >> I'll be right back. >> The 2-year-old was returned to the father's care under police supervision and DCF was notified to evaluate the child's well-being and living environment. >> What's going to happen here? What are we doing? >> I appreciate your help, boss. Do you mind just giving me a little sub? >> Yeah, absolutely. >> I'm just after she gets booked down I'm going to take a statement from her. >> And also you got the child's 14? >> I got the child's 14 and I got the grandma's 14 as well. >> Okay. We have to call DCF. >> Yeah. And I got dad's 14. I'm putting him in. >> Is he coming? >> He said he's trying. He's trying to get a release right now at work. >> Yeah. >> Do you guys know who he is? >> Nah. >> And she came to take your your niece from the residence? >> On a day that's not her day. >> Uh can you describe on how you you said you got socked in the face? >> Um I was quite literally talking and she just punched me in my eye. >> With a closed fist open hand? >> closed fist. >> Closed fist. Okay. And would you like to press charges? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> She's not going home tonight. >> Is there anything that I failed to ask you that you'd like to add to this statement? >> Nope. >> Okay, the time now is 1300 hours. This concludes your interview. >> The mother faced charges of trespassing and domestic violence. Under Florida law, the maximum penalty could be up to six years in prison and a $6,000 fine. Many parents, especially single parents or those in legal disputes, experience high stress, which can affect behavior. Timely mental health support is crucial to ensure children grow up in a safe, nurturing environment. The police asked her to follow a finger with her eyes, but behind it was a test of focus, trust, and a mother being pushed to her limits. >> No, I don't drink. It's been years. >> Okay. >> Can you back against my car for me? I don't want to finish it into chin. >> On August 24th, 2024, authorities were called after reports that a mother driving with her young son missed a stop sign and lightly bumped into another vehicle. They quickly arrived, calming the distressed mother, ensuring the child's safety, and gathering information from those involved. >> I just came up on the scene. I'm a nurse, so I just want to check him out. He was belted, little one in the back. We just unbuckled them to get them off the road. >> Yeah, if you don't want to see it, you're good to go. >> Okay. What happened? >> I was coming southbound and I seen them not slowing down and I couldn't hit the brakes soon enough and they just blew straight through the stop sign and I hit him right on like the instead of like a direct T-bone. >> So, you were coming northbound? >> coming this way. They were coming here. Like right on like the corner. >> I was driving. >> I was driving. >> My name's Austin. >> I was going to stop at the stop sign. I was having a hard time braking because my brakes for how long, how many months I've been saying my brakes aren't working. My brakes aren't working. Whether it's in the snow, whether it's in the rain, whether it's just in the they're hard to brake. >> And I was trying my best. I'll be right with I'm just here. I heard it and I walked out to help. >> I was trying to listen to some tunes, have a loose little baby cuz I had a rough day at work. Nothing you know, whatever. And just doing my thing. Missed the stop sign completely. Somehow wasn't able to stop doing it. >> All right, are you injured? >> I'm fine. >> No, you were coming this way, correct? Give your license and proof of insurance. >> Yeah. >> Just you and the little guy in the car? >> Yeah, for now. >> What do you mean for now? >> I mean, like now, I was going to >> Are you all right? >> Yeah, I'm fine. >> Was it just you and and your little son in the car? >> Yes. >> Where do you work at? >> I work in um Noblesville like nursing home and rehabilitation center. >> Got you. Do you care who tows the car? >> I mean, it doesn't matter to me. I've got >> Is there full coverage on it? >> I don't know. I don't really know. I don't know. >> I'll just call the next available rollback if you're all right. I'll call 511 so I'll let you know who's going to have it and everything, all right? >> Yeah. >> Do you care who tows the car? >> I don't know. My mom's on her way. She knows more about >> I don't You're not at fault, so it's going to be on her insurance. I'm just going to call the next available rollback if you're all >> And then, is the squad leaving or are they staying around for a minute? >> They'll stick around if you need anything or you want to get checked out. >> I think I broke my hand, but I'm waiting for my mom to get here so we can get a car seat from her for him. >> Honey, why are you crying? >> I know, but are you okay? Are you okay, honey? I know. Honey. >> And give your license and insurance if you have it. What side was he on? His side, driver's side. >> My name's Brett. Nice to meet you. >> Are you guys going to have vital signs checked or anything? >> I want him checked out. I think I broke my hand in the process of all of that. I can't move my fingers. >> I'm going to call 674. >> Yeah. >> With him, is he acting normal? >> Yeah, he's acting normal. I still want to take him to the emergency room just to get him checked out. >> 6074 >> I wanted to say the car wasn't drinking, right? >> She said her brakes weren't working and she came out of the car immediately. >> Insurance! Insurance! Logan's like, who [ __ ] with us? Like >> She hasn't been arrested. >> Although she insisted she was fine, the mother's lack of focus prompted the officers to check her alertness further. >> Is he still getting checked out? >> Uh you know, he is up here. Why? What do you mean? >> Can you just step No, you got you getting your stuff. >> What's his name? >> Um who's? >> Is your son. >> My son? Uh his name >> Is he all right? >> Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just uneasy, unusually aware at this point in time because adrenaline I don't know anything. I just got in a car wreck. for a while. But other than that, yeah, I'm good. >> All right, you haven't been drinking or anything? >> No, I have not. I just got off of work. We went to pick up medicine and some food at Walmart, come back, we were sitting at home. >> Are you on any medication? >> I take that in the morning and I take that for anxiety. It can be for depression, but it's mostly anxiety. >> Nothing else? >> Hm? >> Nothing else at all? >> No. >> Can you come back here with me for a minute? I understand you were just in a crash. You got a lot of stuff going on. You're not really acting right. So, I just want to make sure you're not impaired right now. >> No, I'm not. I'm not impaired. >> Do you want me to do what you want me to do? Do you want me to do a breathalyzer or no? >> No, not a breathalyzer. I just want you to come back here. A couple observations, couple tests I want to offer you, okay? So, what time did you get off work there? >> Uh I got off work at 6:00 o'clock. >> 6:00 p.m. And where are you heading to tonight? Close that up. So, you're headed to Ashland right now? So, how do you get to Ashland from here? >> Uh you know, 30 or 250. >> You're headed to 30 or 250? >> Yeah. >> Do you know where 30 is right now? >> Huh? >> Do you know where 30 is? >> 30? Yeah. >> 30's down that way. >> Oh, okay. >> You work in Holmes County or you work in Bellville? >> I work in Millersburg full-time and I pick up agency work I do every now and again a few hours and I do that there um Bellville, for example, Ashland, different places, you know. >> Okay. You have had any alcohol at all? >> No, no. >> No. >> During basic reflex and attention checks, she responded slowly, appeared confused, and struggled to follow instructions, leading officers to guide her more closely for safety. >> No, I don't drink. It's been years. >> Okay. Lean back against my car for me. Can I like finish following Jen? Do you have glasses or contacts? Do you have any recent head injuries? >> No. >> Do you see my finger? >> Yes. >> When I move my finger, I want you to follow with your eyes and your eyes only, okay? Follow my finger, okay? >> Okay. >> I need you to follow this finger. >> I am following it. >> Okay, follow it for me. >> Oh, like personally like follow it like that. Oh. >> Don't move your head though, okay? >> So, just with the eyes? >> Yep. >> Oh, okay. How are you feeling today? >> Follow my finger. >> Oh, yes. >> Follow my finger, okay? Just look at that. Okay. What I want you to just put your left foot on the line, right foot directly in front touching your heel toe. >> Left foot in front, right >> Nope, left on right in front. >> Wait, what? >> Yep. Leave your left foot on the line, right foot in front touching heel toe. Remember, I don't want you to move, okay? >> Wait, what? >> I don't want you to move. I just want you to stand there. >> Hold on. Do you want me to walk the straight line? >> Yeah, but remember I got to explain it to you. I said once you're in the starting position, don't move, okay? Left foot on that imaginary line, right foot directly in front touching heel toe. >> Okay. >> Right foot in front. Arms down to your side. >> Okay. >> Don't move until I tell you to do so. From that position, what you can do is you're going to take nine steps. With each step, you're going to look down at your feet, you're going to touch heel to toe, and you're going to count it loud. I'm going to demonstrate it for you. When I demonstrate it, I'm going to take three steps. When you you're going to take nine. All right? >> Head what? Turn around? >> Just like I demonstrated. >> Okay. >> All right, go and turn around, face my patrol car. All right, feet together, arms down to your side. You're going to raise one foot approximately 6 in off the ground, and you're going to look down at your raised foot, and you're going to count it loud. Whenever you're ready, you can begin. >> 1 1,000, 2 1,000, >> Arms down to your side. Arms down to your side. Look at your foot. All right, you want to close your eyes, tilt your head back. I want you to tell me when to start. You're going to estimate the passage of 30 seconds and tell me when to stop. >> Start. 30. >> Okay. Come out of here for me. Face your uh my car there. Let me see your hands back here. Palms together like you're clapping for me. All right, at this time you're under arrest. You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say or do can will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you. Do you understand that? If you choose to answer any questions without an attorney present, you can stop at any time. Do you understand that? >> No, I do not. I have to wait until my son's right here. >> Yeah, you don't understand your rights, do you, son? >> No. >> I'll advise you one more time, okay? You have the right to remain silent. >> Okay. >> Does that make sense? >> Yes. >> So, have you taken anything other than your prescription today? >> I take Prozac. That's all I take Prozac every day. >> Nothing else at all? >> No, no, no, nothing else. >> Notably, she repeatedly mentioned insurance exchange instead of comforting her crying son, showing she had not fully grasped the seriousness of the situation. Come to the back of my car real quick. >> Hold on a minute for my son. I'll I'll be a minute. No, I know. I am not leaving my son unattended. I am his only guardian at this time until other things have been settled. No. >> All right. >> It can wait. >> until your son is picked up, I promise. We will stay here until your son gets picked up. I'll give you my word, okay? What's your mom's name? Your mom's coming? >> Mhm. >> Did I hear your mom's coming? >> Yes, my mom is on her way. >> Okay. >> Wait, she is right there. >> Is she here? >> Yes. >> That's her standing out there in the black. I'll confirm. Here, let's step over here. What's your mom's name? What's your mom's name? >> Tammy. >> All right, come back here to the back of my car real quick. I promise I'm not going to I'm not going to take take you away from your son until you your mom shows up, I promise, okay? >> Yeah, that's fine. >> All right, come back here. I need to get gloves out of the back. >> I will need to exchange my insurance information with you. >> It'll be on the crash report tomorrow cuz you gave me your insurance. >> Yes, but they need a copy of my insurance. So, how am I going to do that with my insurance? They need to talk with my insurance anyways. I'm not going to jail until insurance has been exchanged. >> Can you take a breath for me? We write down your insurance on a crash report and give it to you. They'll get your insurance. Nobody said anything about going to jail. >> I didn't say nothing about going to jail either. >> Yeah, you did. You said you're not going to jail till they get your insurance. You don't have to go to jail. It's not my intention to write you up. All right. So, unless you do something crazy, you're probably not going to go to jail. I'm just saying. All right. Can you step in front of my camera for me? >> Well, I need the information of where all that stuff as far as what I got to pay for the vehicle and all that. >> It'll be on the crash report. Can you step back here for me and face me? >> It'll be on the crash report. No, it won't. I'd rather get it from the the person right there. >> Ma'am, I've handled thousands of crashes. I know what I'm doing. All right. It's all going to be on the crash report. They'll get it. I promise. Can you stand right here and face my light, that little red blinking light? Do you have anything on you I need to know about? >> No. >> Can you come right back here to the side of my car? Your mom's name is Tammy, you said? >> Tammy. >> All right. I'm going to walk up there and make sure she's on scene and your your son is with her. >> Right. >> Can you have a seat for me? >> When the grandmother arrived, she explained that her daughter had previously experienced anxiety and stress, offering a more compassionate perspective. >> Hello, ma'am. Are you Tammy? >> Yes. >> Is that your daughter? >> Yes. >> Okay, she's been placed under arrest for operating a vehicle impaired. All right. This car is registered to you. Can you get anything you guys need out of it before it's towed? >> ask what what did you just say? I didn't hear you. >> She's been placed under arrest for operating a vehicle impaired. She's under the influence of something. >> She's cracked. >> Okay, I just wanted to verify that's what he said. >> Yeah. >> I heard it. >> Is that who was in the car? >> That's right. One of them, yes. >> All right. How about he >> She's going to get some stuff out of there real quick. >> And then you can finish loading it up. Is the key in there? Is that all you need out of there? >> I think. I don't know what's in the trunk. >> Ma'am, she's a little up and down. I'm trying to keep her >> Yeah, she has some She has some mental health. She's got PTSD and anxiety and yeah. >> Has she on priors? >> Not her. >> In the past two years? >> Is that smart to come pick her up today? >> You don't have to. If nobody can she can't find a ride, she's going to go to jail. >> We have to pick her up up there? >> You have to now? >> No, I mean like we can't take her with us. >> No, she's got to go with me for now. >> with >> She has to go with me. >> Okay, so you don't want me to talk to her? >> You can talk to her if you want. I'm fine with that. If you want to come with me, I'm going to stand there, but you can Okay, you can talk to her. >> Are you okay? Am I supposed to come and pick you up from where he's taking you? >> Where is he taking me? >> Ohio Patrol Post. >> Am I picking you up or am I leaving you there? >> Where? >> At the highway patrol. Do you want to stay there tonight and I'll pick you up tomorrow? >> I mean I got to figure out what the hell is going on. Did you exchange insurance information with them? >> No. >> Why? >> Ma'am, I told you we do that. You gave me insurance, we put it on the crash report and we handed it to the other driver. They have your insurance. >> Well, whatever I'm going to do with my phone? >> You want to do that? >> Yeah, it's in here. Do you want your phone to stay with you, ma'am? Your purse, your wallet, your phone. You know, I'll just keep your phone and your ID. >> So, what am I doing tonight? Am I leaving you there or am I coming to get you? >> I don't care. Don't get a phone call. >> If it's late, it won't be till tomorrow. >> She said she has a history of >> Still, authorities had to follow standard procedures. The mother was taken to the station for routine checks, while the child was safely handed to the grandmother. >> All right, just tops off to my head, okay? All right, you know how to arrest for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs or combination of them. If you take any chemical test, you may have an independent chemical test taken at your own expense. Do you understand that? Down here at the bottom, for the length of six suspension over there. You have no priors, so the top line's going to apply to you. For refusal, no priors, one year administrative license suspension. >> What? >> Yeah, for refusal to one year administrative license suspension if you if you refuse to take a test. >> Oh. >> Yeah. >> Oh, my phone is taking it for nothing, y'all. >> And then if you provide a sample and you're found to be over the legal limit, it's a 90-day administrative license suspension. >> Okay. >> Okay, I am offering you a urine test. With all that being said, Wayne County is a non-refusal county. Okay, which means if you refuse, what happens is I fill out a warrant, I send it to a judge, he'll review it. If he agrees with it and signs it, he'll send it back to me. I'll take you to Wayne West Community Hospital for a blood draw. Okay, and almost eight years I've never had a judge not sign one of my warrants. >> Okay. >> Are you willing to provide a urine sample? >> Uh well, I really don't have to pee right this second. Can you let us out? I mean, I really don't have to pee. >> I don't think we have any restrooms here. >> Well, you don't have any restrooms here? >> We don't have any water in here. >> Well, then I'm just going to have to sit here. So, I can go >> Can I get out of here cuz my mama needs to get me my wallet? >> Well, I'm talking to my lawyer. I don't know. >> Okay. Do you have to go right now? >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right, I need at least 2 to 30 if you can. >> Can I wear gloves, too? >> Do you want gloves? >> I don't know. >> You can wash your hands. >> Huh? >> You can wash your hands after you're done. >> Okay. >> If you want gloves, we can give you some if you want some. >> Okay. All right, I got to go like this. >> No, I'm sorry. >> Please, can you just go faster? >> I'm going to try. >> Can you have a seat on the bench over here, please? Thank you very much. So, what you do is you just print up here, write out what happened for me right there, and your address, and sign below your address. Were you wearing your seat belt? >> Yes. >> How fast were you traveling? Give me approximation. >> Down the road, probably >> Were you distracted by anything? >> I was just listening to the music. >> I wouldn't call that a distraction. Most people listen to something while they're driving, you know what I mean? Like were you distracted by something in the car, your phone, >> No. >> reaching for anything? >> Phone was on the dashboard and I had things so I could just see it. >> So, no distractions? Did you see the stop sign? Did you see the stop sign? >> I did, but she was late. I mean, I was like just going down the road and I tried that without the stop. >> What caused the crash? >> As I was driving through and I'm trying to slow down and make my stop, which I encroached obviously too fast, the car hit me head-on and >> So, you were driving too fast, couldn't get stopped. >> Right. >> Is that what you're saying? I don't want to answer for you. >> to like spin around and start bumping up the other way. >> All right, but that was after the crash. What caused the crash? >> Uh hitting in the car and then like >> All right, and what caused you to hit the car? >> The car hit me cuz I didn't stop. >> Okay, what caused you to get hit by the car? Because you didn't stop at the stop sign. >> Right, that was the only reason I didn't stop. >> Are you under the influence of anything? >> No. >> The mother faced charges of BAC, failure to stop at a stop sign, and endangering children. Under Ohio law, she could face up to 14 months in jail, a $2,575 fine, and other related penalties. The incident highlighted the importance of mental focus and alertness while driving. Even a brief lapse in attention can create unexpected challenges and risk for those we care about. Don't let emotions take over during a custody dispute, as a rash action can lead to unpredictable consequences. >> Please stop. Get on THE [ __ ] GROUND. >> I'M DONE. >> GET ON THE GROUND. >> STOP, I'M DONE. I'M SORRY. I'M SORRY. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. >> On December 24th, 2022, amid a tense family situation where custody, caregiving responsibilities, and personal conflicts intertwined, police arrived quickly to maintain order. At the scene, they approached the mother and began documenting statements and relevant details. >> I set her back down. Now they're awake and now nobody's in THE HOUSE. MA'AM, I WANT MY KIDS. >> OKAY. >> They have no custody of my kids. I want my kids. I want my kids. >> Calm down. Try to explain what's going on so we can figure out >> There's police officers here. Can I get off the phone, please? >> Whose house is this? >> His. >> Who is he? >> Grandpa. Dad took off. >> Which way did he go? That way? >> Don't know. I was inside trying to get my kids. I came here to try and sleep. My baby dad told me he had left my kids alone with him, who's drunk. I said no, I want my kids and I'm leaving. Okay. And then I was upstairs getting stuff ready for my to them out and get them dressed to go and he comes in and gets in my face and says don't touch me cuz I will call the >> dad. >> Yes. >> Don't touch me. >> He grabs me pulling me out of the room. He's trying to break it up. Why are you touching me? I just want my kids and I'm leaving. That was it. That's all I had to >> So you don't live here with them? >> No. >> Are you guys together, married, nothing like that? >> No. >> Okay. >> And then he I had my picked up my youngest to start getting her dressed. Me in my face with my child in my arms. >> Like what do you mean? >> Like me in my face. Like this. Like no point. Like straight up just went like this with his hand open in my face. I set my kids down. I said if you want to fight we could fight and I started we started fighting cuz he came towards me and then told me to get out of my house. I said I want my kids. So I'm calling the cops cuz I'm not doing this no more. His dad's already put his hands on me. I want to press full charges. >> Okay. So how many kids do you have? >> Two. They're one and two. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Both inside home probably crying. I want them. I want them. They have no custody over them. >> Both custodial parents? Okay. Did you drive here or >> Yes. That's my car right there. >> Okay. >> I just want my kids. >> Where dad went and all that. >> No. I don't really care. >> I got you. Again, I'm I'm just trying to piece together what's going on and we probably need to talk to him as well. So so your plan is just pick kids up go home. >> Yes. That's all I wanted to do after he told me he left them here with him. That's all I wanted to do was go home. After I mean I was supposed to come here and sleep. I'm sick. >> Okay. >> Just a little bit and then he said I would have to leave in the morning. He told me that I didn't have to wake the girls up. I was like okay that's fine. I said I said where's your dad cuz there's no other car in the driveway. So I was like come back. I was like who's here? He said my dad. I was and then it brought up the fact that he's drunk. >> Was your kids' dad here when you got here or did he leave? So he's been gone this whole time? >> He came back while after I got here when I was getting them ready and then started arguing with me to get out of the room and to leave. I said, "I just want my kids. You already told me I can get my kids." >> Was he pushing you, shoving you? >> He grabbed me and was pulling me out of the room and >> Do you think his intent was to hurt you with that? >> I don't I don't know. I don't He was being loud and rude since the minute he got here. And he already has a domestic violence charge against me. >> And then so your grandpa got into the mix as well? >> Yes. >> And then grandpa was the one that kind of did a >> I mean, he separated us and I told him I was calling the police. He got mad, broke something down here and then all I know is he left. And then he wanted to get all mad at me. I said, "I just said I'm coming to get my kids and I'm leaving. You guys didn't have to get in the middle of it. You guys have no custody." And they wanted to He wanted to start arguing with me, tell me how much of a piece of [ __ ] I am and how I do don't >> Okay. So, did grandpa ever ever physically hurt you or anything like that? >> I mean, he physically hit me in my face with his hand. >> Okay. Hit you in the face? >> Yes. >> Okay. Do you have any cuts or anything on you? >> I don't know. To be honest, I didn't even look at myself. >> Like on your hand or anything like that? >> Broke my nails. Because he was wrestling with me and put me in a headlock. >> Do you want to pursue charges? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> I'm tired of it. I'm so tired of it. >> I got you. The grandfather tried to calm the situation, noting that the mother often overreacted and called the police whenever things didn't go her way, while also sharing his views on her custody rights. >> I'm trying to talk to my ex-wife and the grandmother of the babies. I'm trying to keep the babies away from this drama and >> Okay. >> she's trying to cause drama and I don't I don't want it in my house. >> Okay. Who's Who's this to you? >> She's my granddaughter's babies or my granddaughter's mother. >> Is that your son? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, he's in there, I'm assuming? >> No, he he's gone. >> Oh, he left on foot? >> He left He left a little while ago. >> Okay. >> What's up? Can I tell you like she wants to play this game. She calls the cops like all the time whenever something doesn't go her way and like these girls are here five nights out of the week. And it's not a problem, but all of a sudden tonight it is because she wants to make a problem. So like I just feel like she needs to like leave. >> Okay. Now, it sounds like Alexander definitely knew she was coming. It doesn't sound like he was. >> He might have. He might have. And I don't know. I don't know that for sure. I do know. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> line is like I have >> I mean if he's inviting her, he's inviting her. >> I don't think he invited her. >> Okay. I mean unfortunately he's not here to tell us. >> Well, right. But like the girls are not in here or anything like that. So I'm just curious as to what we can do right now to stop this. >> One half of the parents aren't here and the other half wants them. So we can probably start with that. Where are you? What do you >> I have officers in my front yard right now. Tell me what to do. Am I supposed to let her take the girls? >> What would you go to jail for? I understand. Relax. Relax. Relax. I know. This is what he does with with her all All right. All right. Calm down. Calm down. Calm down, please. All right. Calm down, please. Please, calm down. Please, calm down. Please, calm down. I know. Please, calm down. Alex. Alex, stop. Do you want me to send the girls with her? Do you want me to send the girls with her? Arrest you for what? You didn't do anything. I understand. I understand. Do you want me to send the girls with her? >> Yes. Bro, get >> Do you think all of this escalated because of the drinking or is this kind of a >> Because I just wanted my kids. I told him on the phone before I even came inside. I don't understand I called him an idiot. I told him I don't know why you brought our kids here with him while he's drunk. And I said, "Well, I'm taking my kids and I'm leaving." He said, "Go ahead." It's not for >> Don't Don't argue with each other. Don't argue with each other. Stop. >> Okay, stop. >> I understand I understand >> We're not going back and forth. We're not going back and forth. You know we're trying to figure out what's going on. >> Her kids are upstairs. >> They're my grandkids. >> I understand >> They're my grandkids. >> But they're also her kids. >> They're also my grandkids. >> I understand that. >> So they're not in >> I understand that. >> Okay, so >> We're trying to figure out what's going on. And you yelling at each other is not helping that situation. >> she should go. >> The father arrived and gave a statement that contradicted the mother's account, highlighting differing perspectives and the roots of the conflict. >> You Alex? >> Yeah. >> Okay, what's going on, man? All right, I'm showing up at your place. Have a chat. What's What happened tonight, man? >> I was gone. Went to my buddy's house. >> Okay. >> She was supposed to meet me here and she had a couple of drinks, you know. >> Okay. >> She didn't like the fact that he had a couple of drinks while the girls were here. She thought that made him unfit to watch them for a couple minutes. >> Okay. >> She had her idea, whatever, that's fine. She wanted to come get them. >> Okay. >> You know, it's obviously not a good idea to pull them out of the house at 12:00 at night. >> Okay. >> So I went to the room and I told her, "Stop. Take this away from the kids. There's no reason to be doing this around the kids." >> Okay. >> She wanted to scream, call you guys because that's what she's used to. We have We have a very toxic relationship. >> Okay. >> So I went I just put my hand on her waist and I said, "Come here. Stop." And she freaked out. "No, don't touch me. Don't put your hands on me." Started calling you guys. >> Okay. >> So I stepped out of the room, left because I know how this stuff goes. You see a girl calling the cops on a guy and you instantly want to take his kids away because he's had this year in the jail. I'm trying to do nothing to her. So, I left. That's what they told me to do last time. You follow me? In a situation like this where it's at my house, they told me to leave. So, I left. >> Is there a protection order or anything in place still? >> No. >> No, okay. >> Yes, I have a custody custody agreement. None of that. If she wants to take them, she can take them. >> Tensions escalated when the father suddenly left the scene after realizing he might face legal responsibility. >> Okay, stop. >> This is my yard. This is my house. Stop, okay? >> As long as my wife says stop, you stop too. Stop talking to >> This is my house. >> ALL I WANTED TO DO WAS LEAVE, like you said I could. >> I'm getting arrested? For what? For what? >> They went up there and dragged her out. >> No, sir. >> No, no, no, no, no. Stop, sir. >> First unit ready, we got one male running with a white shirt. He's in the backyard, GOING SOUTH. >> STOP. PLEASE STOP. >> GET ON THE [ __ ] GROUND. >> I'M DOWN. >> GET ON THE GROUND. >> STOP, I'M DOWN. I'M SORRY. I'M SORRY. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. >> detained. >> I don't know why I did that. I'm so sorry. >> I don't know why you did either, man. >> Please do not >> I wanted to try to explain to you how the state of Ohio works. >> Don't charge me with anything. >> Okay? Please don't charge me with running. Please, please. >> Put your HANDS BEHIND YOUR BACK. >> SIR, SORRY. SORRY. SORRY. SORRY. SORRY, SIR. PLEASE, SIR. I'm not resisting. Do what you need to do, please, sir. Please. >> What I wanted to tell you >> Get on your side, you can breathe. >> In the state of Ohio >> Please, sir. >> when these things happen, we get zero choice. >> I didn't do nothing. >> He makes a claim, we're going to have to go for it. >> I didn't do nothing. >> You are charged. You are not convicted, okay? >> Please. >> Okay? >> Please. >> understand that? >> do anything. >> Do I think anything crazy happened? Maybe. I don't know. But this is how it is. >> Oh my god. >> Go check on them. I got him. I want to get you up on your side. Roll on your side. Roll on your side. Get your knees up. You okay? Are you Are you Hey, look at me, Alex. Look at me. Hey. Eyes up. ARE YOU YOU OKAY? ALL RIGHT, come on. Don't look Hey, don't talk to me. It'll be worse for you. That was easy. THAT WAS EASY. LISTEN, I TOLD YOU YOU DON'T GET A CHOICE IN THE STATE OF OHIO, OKAY? >> Please don't charge me with running. >> We'll talk about it. >> Once the situation was under control and police were preparing to leave, tensions inside the house rose again between the mother and the grandfather. >> I'll get them back. >> No. >> No. >> Roll out. Can you please leave my yard? Can you please leave my house? >> She doesn't need her kids back. >> No. No. No. No. No. I'm I'm the I'm the grandparent. >> You do not get to say no. If you do not release the kids to her >> I understand >> You're going to be charged. >> I understand. Why is he getting charged? >> I just told you. >> Domestic violence for what? >> I just told you. >> Domestic violence, you said. >> Yeah. >> For what? >> For the situation that was explained to us tonight. >> But he left. So there was no >> here at some point. >> But that was she was. >> He was here at some >> That was she was. That was she was. >> He was here at some point. >> That was was. >> We're past that now. >> But he was not here when she was. >> that now. >> I don't understand. >> need to go to her. >> I don't understand. He was not here when she was. >> But here's the thing, we're we're past that point right now. >> No, he said >> Yeah, we are. >> You keep saying it like you don't >> I'm going to keep saying it until we move to the part where she gets her kids. >> I'm trying to keep this civil. >> I don't get At this point, I'm really done, right? So, just shut up and let me talk, please. Cool? Okay. She's saying when they were upstairs and he was home, but she was home, he dragged her out of the room, okay? And state of Ohio, doesn't matter what she says, I have to arrest him. That's it. >> That's it. It happened. >> Is it Is it He's arrested, not convicted, all right? >> That's what happened. It's fine. >> While you guys were arguing, you said she came up to you, you did one of these. She's saying you got her in the face, okay? Did Did you hit her in the face? >> No. Absolutely >> We don't need that. Please. >> I'm a grown man. No, absolutely not. >> Stop it. You want to go too and send these kids to CPS? Then shut up, please. Okay? I've asked you so many times to be quiet. >> I want to cooperate. I'm not trying to cause problems. I promise. >> And you already were stepping in front of your son, so totally for that. >> nothing to do with me. >> Okay. >> It has everything to do with her getting the kids. >> You cannot come in my house. >> We're going to get kids. >> I'm allowed to. You guys go for it. You guys go get the kids. >> Listen, but you cannot come in my house. >> Are you trying to help or or hurt the situation, man? >> How about I bring the kids out? >> to get kids with me? >> Yeah. >> Hold on, just sit tight. Come on. Sit tight. >> I don't give a >> Okay. Okay. Stop. >> Stop. >> You sit right here. Okay, come on. She's getting fussy with me cuz she don't know me. I know. I know. You're so You care so much. Where Where are your keys at? >> They were on the floor upstairs somewhere. >> Okay. Got something in your drawers there? >> No, there's nothing in there. >> The father was later charged with resisting arrest, obstruction of justice, child endangerment, and domestic disturbance. Under Ohio law, he could face up to 3 years in prison and a $5,500 fine. Custody disputes are not just emotional. They are legal matters. Staying calm and cooperating with authorities is the best way to protect yourself and your children. A moment of anger, a lapse in judgment, or even a brief loss of attention can be enough to turn an ordinary situation into a serious outcome. When that happens, the cost goes beyond legal consequences. It affects safety, the future, and most importantly, the well-being of innocent children. 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