Elaria, Ohio – In a shocking incident, body camera footage has been released showing officers throwing flashbangs during a house raid, with a mother and her 17-month-old baby on a ventilator inside. The police were executing a warrant in connection with a stolen weapons investigation involving a teenage suspect.
The video, released by officials, reveals the moment when police entered the home and deployed flashbangs. In the footage, the mother, identified as Courtney Price, can be heard informing the officers about her baby who was inside the house. Price later revealed that her child, named Waylon, has been diagnosed with chemical pneumonitis – a lung irritation caused by inhaling the gases released from flashbangs.
Authorities have stated that the baby was not exposed to any chemical agents or continuous burning. However, footage from the front door's ring doorbell camera, captured an hour after the raid, includes an unidentified voice saying, 'Well, it's the wrong house.'
Courtney Price, speaking about the incident, expressed her shock at the fast-paced and sudden nature of the raid. She recounted hearing a knock at the door and initially assuming it was her uncle. However, upon realizing it was the police, she barely had time to react before the door was busted open and windows shattered.
Price mentioned that she was unable to pick up her baby as he was on a ventilator, requiring several steps to safely disconnect him. Currently, Waylon remains in the hospital, showing signs of improvement, with his breathing and eye condition gradually improving.
The police department has vehemently denied any allegations of exposing the child to chemical agents or any negligence. However, Price pointed to the body cam footage, which clearly shows the flashbang hitting the window and smoke entering the room. According to her doctors, it is suspected that the chemicals may have entered Waylon's oxygen concentrator, impacting his lungs, or he may have inhaled them directly.
The long-term effects on Waylon's health are still unknown. Being born premature, he already faced vision and hearing issues, and he is scheduled for further examinations of his ears, lungs, and eyes in the coming days.
This disturbing incident has garnered widespread attention, sparking concerns about the appropriate use of flashbangs during raids and the potential risks they pose to innocent bystanders, especially children. As investigations continue, hopes are high for Waylon's recovery, and the truth to be revealed.
