Recently released police body camera footage has revealed a disturbing incident in Ohio where police officers deployed exploding flash bangs during a raid on a home, despite the presence of a small child on a ventilator inside. The family at the center of the incident is now seeking answers and justice.
The footage, which may be distressing to some viewers, shows the moment when the officers entered the residence. They can be heard loudly announcing their presence and instructing the occupants to come outside. However, what is particularly alarming is that there was a toddler on a ventilator in the home at the time.
The child's condition has been reported as stable, but the mother claims that the flash bangs used by the officers caused harm to her young son. Two flash bangs were detonated, one near a window and another in the driveway. Unfortunately, the one near the window blew out the window, affecting the room in which the baby was situated in a bouncer.
According to the mother, the child has been diagnosed with chemical pneumonitis, a form of lung irritation believed to be caused by inhaling the chemicals released by the flash bangs. However, the Elyria Police Department denies that these devices produce continuous burns or contain pepper gas or chemical agents.
The incident occurred a week ago, and the child is still hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the raid. The family intends to take legal action against the police department to seek accountability for the harm caused to their child.
In response to the release of the body camera footage, Elyria Mayor Kevin Brubaker has called for an investigation by the Lorain County Sheriff's Office. He emphasizes that the footage only captures what transpired during the execution of the search warrant and does not shed light on the events leading up to it.
Furthermore, there are allegations that the individual the police were searching for had not been present at the residence for over a year. This raises further questions about the necessity and appropriateness of the raid.
The Elyria Police Department denies the allegations of chemical exposure and claims of negligence, maintaining that the child was not exposed to any harmful substances. However, until the investigation by the Sheriff's Office is concluded, they will not be providing any further responses.
This incident has sparked outrage and concern regarding the use of force by law enforcement, particularly in situations involving vulnerable individuals such as children. The family affected by this traumatic event is seeking answers, justice, and assurances that such incidents will not happen again in the future.
